Flavonoids are a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found in various plants, including the cannabis plant. Scientists have identified thousands of flavonoids all throughout nature, from flowers to fruits and vegetables. However, there are some that are known to be found only within cannabis. These are known as cannaflavins.
Flavonoids are responsible for the coloration, flavor, and aroma of plants and are integral to the entourage effect in cannabis, where they interact with cannabinoids and terpenes to enhance therapeutic effects.
Similar to terpenes, flavonoids share a role in how we perceive cannabis through our senses. But there’s a lot more to flavonoids than what meets our noses and taste buds.
Widespread Presence: Flavonoids are widespread in nature and have been identified in thousands of plant species, ranging from flowers to fruits and vegetables. They contribute to the diverse colors observed in the plant kingdom.
Cannaflavins: Cannaflavins are a subset of flavonoids found exclusively in the cannabis plant. While their specific roles are still under investigation, they likely play a part in the unique characteristics of cannabis strains.
Biological Functions: Flavonoids serve various functions in plants, including seed development, cell cycle regulation, and protection against environmental stressors such as bacteria, fungi, insects, and UV radiation.
Phytonutrients and Antioxidants: Flavonoids are essential phytonutrients with antioxidant properties. They combat oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, contributing to overall health and disease prevention.
Entourage Effect: The entourage effect describes how the interaction of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabis compounds complements each other when interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This phenomenon explains why different cannabis strains produce varying medicinal and psychoactive effects. Flavonoids collaborate with cannabinoids and terpenes to enhance the entourage effect in cannabis. This synergy leads to a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.
Sensory Perception: Flavonoids influence the sensory experience of cannabis, contributing to its taste, smell, and color. Each cannabis strain’s unique combination of flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpenes results in distinct sensory profiles and therapeutic effects.
Flavonoids are an integral part of the cannabis plant, contributing to both its sensory characteristics and therapeutic potential. Their interaction with other cannabis compounds underscores the complexity of the plant’s effects on the human body and highlights their significance in cannabis research and cultivation.