What are cannabis flavonoids?

Among the more than 200 components of cannabis, the most studied are the cannabinoids and terpenes. But they're far from the only ones. Flavonoids, for example, account for 10% of the total, with some twenty types known to date.

Role of flavonoids

Flavonoids are not unique to cannabis, but some, called cannaflavins, are found only in the hemp. There are over 6,000 known flavonoids, most of which serve to pigment plants and flowers to attract pollinators. They are also partly responsible for protecting plants against UV rays, pests and diseases.

In Cannabis, flavonoids play an important role in each variety's aromas and colors. If certain varieties express violet hues, it's thanks to anthocyanin, a flavonoid.

Effects of flavonoids

Flavonoids deliver medicinal effects, but have been little studied.

In «classic» plants, quercetin, found in capers, red onions and chillies, has antioxidant and antifungal properties. Catechin, found in cocoa and tea, is also known for its cardiovascular benefits.

In Cannabis, cannaflavin A in particular interesting anti-inflammatory properties, more effective than aspirin. Cannaflavins B and C are also being studied for their therapeutic potential, as are orientin, quercetin, silymarin and kaempferol for their antifungal, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

Flavonoids, which contain phenolic compounds, combine with other cannabis compounds to give each variety its own medical or recreational effects, a principle called entourage effect.

However, flavonoids remain little-known. Research in Israel and the USA will undoubtedly be the first to focus on them, with immediate industrial applications in medicine or extraction.