Flavonoids are present naturally in different fruits and food items. They aid in regulating the body’s cellular activities and primitively accept free radicals. Additionally, flavonoids benefit your immune system as they are potent antioxidants. Flavonoids are also present in the cannabis plant.
What Are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are present in various plants and mainly in food consumed by the human body. The flavonoid is a derivative of the word “Flavus,” which means yellow or blonde. Flavonoids bring about flavor, color, and aroma in plants and typically in food. Bananas, onions, blueberries, parsley, tea, and many more! Plants have their colors due to flavonoids. Now let’s discuss them to stick to the primary key point.
What are Flavonoids in Cannabis, and what do they matter?
Flavonoids In Cannabis
Many people think that the cannabis plant only consists of Cannabinoids. Actually, the cannabis plant has several cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These terpenes and flavonoids make them unique. Various types of flavonoids found in Cannabis are:
- Cannflavine A,
- Cannflavine B,
- Cannflavine C,
- Vitexin,
- Isovitexin,
- Apigne,
- Kaempferol,
- Quercetin,
- Luteolin,
- Orientin
- Flavones: peppermint, chamomile, and cannabis are flavones. These flavonoids aid as natural pesticides in the plants and reduce inflammation too.
- Flavanols: Tea, cocoa, and apple are the prime source of this type of compound and help you in boosting mood. They improve blood circulation also.
- Isoflavones: Aids in the reduction of the hormonal tumor. Primarily, they exist in legumes and soya beans.
- Cannflavin: This sub-category of the flavonoids is present in a large amount of cannabis herb, which comprises high quality and sturdy anti-inflammatory traits.
- Anthocyanin: It is a whole compound of antioxidant properties and is a supporting agent in heart health, too – it provides hues to fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, and much more. Moreover, plants such as red grapes naturally consist of this compound heavily.
For now that you have a precise overview of flavonoids and cannabis – let’s now get into why flavonoids matter in cannabis?
Read also: How Can Terpenes Affect Your Mood?
Flavonoids and CBD
There are more than 20 flavonoids that exist in the cannabis plant that we are certain of. Now that’s quite interesting because every cannabis plant contains terpenes with unique properties and functions. Many people think that terpenes give a specific aroma to cannabis. However, flavonoids also play an important role; here is a list of the most frequent and known flavonoids in the cannabis plant.
- Apigenin,
- Luteolin,
- Kaempferol,
- Quercetin,
- Cannaflavins A,B and C
Apigenin
The most commonly known flavonoid in cannabis enhances and improves mood reduces swelling. The primary factor of this compound is that it aids the plant in getting defense from multiple pests, insects, and diseases, too; it also gives aromatic characteristics and complementary pigmentation to different plants.
Luteolin
It is present in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It has been part of my Chinese alternative medicines for centuries. According to the research, this flavonoid is really helpful in sharpening memory and reducing brain fog. It helps children to increase their focus and attention.
Kaempferol
This is present in many fruits and vegetables. They are noted for their antioxidant properties. These flavonoids improve the human body’s antioxidant defense against free radicals and reduce aging. According to a study, Kaempferol plays a significant role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Quercetin
It has antioxidant properties and is present in many plants and foods such as onions, green tea, cannabis, apples, etc. it is helpful in reducing swelling and inflammation. It is also helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.
Cannaflavins
Through research, it is analyzed that Cannaflavins are 30 percent more powerful than ordinary aspirin, now that’s pretty amazing. In Particular, it has an incredible inflammatory effect.
Health Benefits Of Flavonoids
Different flavonoids help the body in different ways. Diet based on flavonoid-rich foods helps to reduce tension and boost energy levels. It also helps in managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. According to the review, flavonoids are really helpful in managing high blood pressure.
People who consume a flavonoid-rich diet are less prone to heart diseases. According to a case study, intake of dietary flavonoids reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
One more study shows that a high intake of flavonoids reduces the risk of diabetes.
Many researchers are trying to explore more benefits of flavonoids due to their antioxidant properties. They are also trying to investigate how different components of diet interact at the molecular level to determine the effects on cells. And, based on this study, flavonoids may have anti-cancer potential.
What Do Flavonoids Do In Cannabis?
Many people think that terpenes give a specific aroma to cannabis. However, flavonoids are also responsible for providing distinctive qualities. These qualities help us to differentiate between different strains and varieties of cannabis.
Flavonoids are also responsible for the pigmentation of cannabis. A flavonoid is known as “Anthoxanthins” are responsible for the beautiful purple color of a cannabis strain.
Moreover, according to research, cannabis flavonoids offer many health benefits. For example, Cannaflavins are flavonoids found exclusively in found cannabis. According to a study, it shows potential for anti-inflammatory properties.
You may all know about the entourage effect. The entourage effect means when all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work in synergy. In simple words, terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids are best when they work in harmony. Their different chemical combinations produce different effects. Now researchers are focusing on exploring the most effective combinations of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids for health benefits.
Conclusion
The future of flavonoids seems promising due to their antioxidant properties and health benefits. Flavonoids provide nutritional value while delivering health benefits to humans and plants alike. Similarly, cannabis flavonoids offer therapeutic benefits. They work with cannabinoids and terpenes and affect the endocannabinoid system in different ways. That’s why nowadays, manufacturers are offering full-spectrum hemp products to reap all the benefits from flavonoids and cannabinoids. There is also a need for more research studies and clinical trials to unveil the full potential of cannabis flavonoids in treating different ailments.
Read also: Benefits of Terpenes In Hemp
