Flavonoids are compounds found in several parts of plants including the root, stem, and leaves. They play a variety of biological activity and are abundantly found in products of plant origin such as fruits, vegetables, tea, flowers, grains, and cannabis. Just as terpenes provide plants their smell, flavonoids provide plant their color while functioning as UV filters, signaling molecules, detoxifying agents, plant heat acclimatization and as a freezing tolerance. Currently around 6,000 flavonoids have been discovered. Through research, flavonoids have been considered an absolutely necessary component in a variety of nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical, medicinal, and cosmetic applications due to their broad range of health-promoting properties.
Flavonoids in Cannabis
More than 20 flavonoids have been identified in cannabis Sativa. Cannabis is not a singular compound, rather it encompasses a vast and complicated molecular profile. The interaction of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids make up the “entourage effect” phenomenon, producing enhanced therapeutic effects.
Full-Spectrum CBD Products
Hemp (industrial hemp) is a class of cannabis sativa, which is grown for industrial use and consumable use. Cannabidiol (CBD) products are derived from hemp and are considered full spectrum if all extracts from the plant are utilized including CBD, <0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and flavonoids. Broad spectrum is similar with the exception that there is not a detectable amount of THC found. Isolate products only contain the CBD molecule from the plant.
When utilizing full-spectrum CBD products, the included flavonoids offer potential health benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They work with cannabinoids and terpenes, contributing to CBD’s complex impact on the body.
Identified Potential Health Applications
Flavonoids have shown promise in various health applications that may contribute to overall well-being.
Inflammation and Pain Management
Flavonoids show anti-inflammatory properties, potentially managing pain. Cannflavin A may enhance the pain-relieve effects of CBD and THC through synergistic interaction.
Several flavonoids exhibit neuroprotective qualities that may benefit brain health. Cannabis flavonoids luteolin and apigenin show promise for cognitive health. Luteolin may protect the brain, enhance memory, and combat brain fog. Apigenin potentially treats Alzheimer’s and offers sedative and muscle-relaxing benefits for mental well-being.
CBD flavonoids may benefit heart health. Anthocyanidins potentially prevent heart disease and manage blood pressure. Quercetin protects against oxidative stress. Kaempferol’s antioxidant properties may reduce cardiovascular risks. These compounds support overall heart function.
Key Flavonoids Found in CBD
Full and broad spectrum CBD products may contain various flavonoids that contribute to their unique properties and potential health benefits. Here are some of the key flavonoids you may find in your CBD:
Quercetin is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may have positive effects on heart health, cancer prevention, and allergy relief.
This natural substance has potent antioxidant properties, even surpassing vitamins C and E in effectiveness in combating oxidative stress and inflammation, making it a potential candidate for treating disorders associated with chronic immune activation .
It has been found to have potential benefits in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in various conditions may help alleviate allergy symptoms, reduce inflammation in multiple sclerosis, and even have anti-cancer properties.
Apigenin, an antioxidant bioflavonoid, has anti-anxiety effects and potential cancer-fighting properties.
Cannflavins (A, B, C) are flavonoids partially unique to cannabis sativa. We say partially unique because Cannflavin A has also been identified in Mimulus bigelovii, a plant in the Phrymaceae family. Cannflavin A may offer neuroprotection, potentially benefiting Alzheimer’s disease.
Flavonoids synergize with other cannabis compounds, enhancing CBD benefits via the entourage effect. Cannflavin A and B show promise as an anti-inflammatory as they were about 30 times more effective than aspirin when studied in human rheumatoid cells.
Conclusion
Flavonoids offer diverse health benefits, complementing cannabinoids and terpenes. They influence inflammation, neuroprotection, and heart health. Compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin, and cannflavins contribute to CBD’s complex effects. Ongoing research may lead to more targeted CBD formulations, exploring specific mechanisms and optimal compound combinations.
