Flavonoids are one of the main types of chemicals found in the cannabis plant. They are found in a large array of plants, including tea, fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids affect both the appearance, particularly the colour, and flavour of the plant. Additionally, they play a role in protecting plants from certain dangers.
What are flavonoids?
Flavonoids are a group of chemical compounds, primarily produced by plants. They are secondary metabolites, meaning they provide function to the plant body without directly engaging in growth and development. Flavonoids are a diverse group of chemicals that also have the function of helping plants defend against environmental factors like UV rays, fungi and bacteria. Over 20 have been discovered in the cannabis plant and over 8000 among plant species.
Flavonoid chemical structure
Flavonoids are classified under the broad category of polyphenolic metabolites. They generally have 15 carbon atoms as their main skeleton. This includes two phenyl rings and one heterocyclic ring with an embedded oxygen atom. Flavonoids are divided into different subcategories based on their structure such as anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, isoflavones and flavonols. This affects how they interact with the human body.
What do flavonoids do?
All of the functions of flavonoids are yet to be determined but they are known to provide colour, flavour and aroma to plants. Their effect on the pigmentation of a plant is important for attracting pollination from animals. They also provide some level of protection to a plant from ultraviolet light and add to symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Research has shown that flavonoids have the potential to enhance neuroprotective activities by influencing various cell signals and offering other benefits.
Cannabis flavonoids
Over 20 varieties of flavonoids have been identified within the cannabis plant. Most of these fit within the flavonol and flavone groupings within the plants. Some of these have shown the potential to have positive effects related to combating inflammation.
Entourage effect
The entourage effect in cannabis is a scientific theory which refers to the enhanced overall effect of using different compounds in a cannabis plant together, like THC and CBD. This interaction of various compounds suggests that the combined presence of certain compounds produces a more profound impact than the isolated effects of individual components. While it was initially believed the chemicals acted in isolation, recent research has shown they may interact and flavonoids, along with terpenes and other substances, are thought to alter the effect that cannabinoids have on the body.
Where are flavonoids found?
Flavonoids are found in a range of natural substances, including cannabis, that they can be isolated and extracted from. Additionally, synthetic versions have been produced to emulate the effects of natural flavonoids. Flavonoids are an incredibly diverse group of chemical compounds.
Natural
Flavonoids are found in a broad variety of plants including fruits, leafy vegetables and beans. The individual structures of the flavonoids contained vary depending on the exact plant. Within plants, flavonoids are most widely present in the leaves, fruits and flowers of the overall plant body.
Synthetic
Synthetic flavonoids are created in laboratories and aim to bring the effects of natural flavonoids into an artificial substance. Synthetic and semi-synthetic flavonoids have shown a high potential for inhibiting and killing microbes.
What are the different types of flavonoids?
Flavonoids have several subgroups including flavonols, flavones, chalcones and isoflavones. Most of the flavonoids located in the cannabis plant fall in the flavonol and flavone groups. Based on their type, their structures will vary somewhat and interact differently with the human body and the endocannabinoid system.
What product types are flavonoids found in?
Flavonoids are found in a broad array of food products on the market. They are commonly found in food like vegetables, fruits and chocolates. They are also found in beverages such as wines and teas. Among medical cannabis products, flavonoids can be found in both broad and full-spectrum products but not distillates or isolates.
Are flavonoids legal in Australia?
Flavonoids are legal when they are contained within ordinary food items in Australia. However, flavonoids contained within medical cannabis products are subject to the legality of the product being approved. Medical cannabis products are considered unapproved therapeutic goods by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This means that medical practitioners must either be an approved provider or obtain approval through the Special Access Scheme (SAS) to prescribe medical cannabis products.
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Additional Medical Cannabis Strains Information
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