What are flavonoids?

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a large group of secondary plant compounds found in many plants. Among other things, they are responsible for:

• Coloration of flowers and leaves

• Protection of the plant against UV radiation

• Defense against pathogens

• Participation in various metabolic processes

The cannabis plant also produces flavonoids.

Alongside cannabinoids and terpenes, they represent another important class of compounds within the plant.

Flavonoids in the Cannabis Plant

More than twenty different flavonoids have been identified in cannabis so far.

They are mainly found in:

• Flowers

• Leaves

• Partly also in trichomes

Some of the well-known flavonoids in cannabis include:

• Apigenin

• Luteolin

• Quercetin

• Kaempferol

These compounds are also found in many other plants.

Cannflavins – Specialized Flavonoids of Cannabis

Of particular interest are three flavonoids that are specific to cannabis:

• Cannflavin A

• Cannflavin B

• Cannflavin C

These compounds were first isolated in the 1980s.

“Cannflavin A and B are prenylated flavones found only in Cannabis sativa.”

Barrett et al., 1986

Further details below

Studies suggest that cannflavins may have anti-inflammatory properties, as they appear to influence certain inflammatory pathways.

“Cannflavins inhibit PGE2 production, indicating potential anti-inflammatory activity.”

Rea et al., 2020

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Role of Flavonoids in the Plant

For the cannabis plant itself, flavonoids serve several functions:

UV Protection

Flavonoids can absorb UV radiation and protect sensitive cellular structures.

Defense Against Pathogens

Many flavonoids have antimicrobial properties.

Coloration

Certain flavonoids influence the pigmentation of plant tissues.

Relevance for Cannabis Research

Compared to cannabinoids and terpenes, flavonoids in cannabis have been studied far less extensively. However, they are gaining increasing attention in scientific research.

Some studies are investigating whether flavonoids may contribute to the overall effects of the plant together with cannabinoids and terpenes.