The anti-inflammatory properties of two cannabis molecules are 30 times greater than those of aspirin

Researchers at the University of Guelph recently studied how the plant Cannabis sativa L produces two molecules, cannflavin A and cannflavin B, whose efficacy was demonstrated in 1985 to be some 30 times greater than that of aspirin in terms of reducing inflammation. Although scientists knew their existence since 1985, However, work on these molecules has been limited by the strict regulation of cannabis-related research. The cannflavin A and cannflavin B molecules belong to the the flavonoid family.

«There is a clear need to develop alternatives for acute and chronic pain relief that go beyond opioids,» said Dr. Tariq Akhtar, study correspondent and assistant professor of molecular and cellular biology. «These molecules are not psychoactive and target inflammation at the source, making them ideal painkillers.».

In the study, the team examined the cannabis genome and biochemistry to identify the genes responsible for producing the two flavonoids, as well as the chain of chemical reactions that produce them. This is the first time this biological process has been documented.

«What's interesting about cannabis molecules is that they actually stop inflammation at the source,» said Akhtar . «And most natural products don't have the toxicity associated with over-the-counter painkillers, which, while very effective, carry health risks. So looking at natural products as an alternative is very interesting.» If scientists succeed to synthesize them in sufficient quantities, cannflavines A and B could become just as well-known as THC and CBD.

For the time being, the scientific community has focused more on the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), two of the most common active molecules in cannabis. Known for its psychoactive properties, THC can help relieve chronic pain, but has also been linked to mental problems if used frequently and intensively. CBD, meanwhile, is the active ingredient in Epidiolex, the first cannabis-based medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for childhood seizure disorders, but its long-term side effects are poorly understood.

The cannflavin A and cannflavin B molecules may make it possible to develop anti-inflammatory drugs with few or no side effects.