Fact Checked by Doctor NameFlavonoids are a class of compounds produced by cannabis and other plants that contribute to important functions, including aroma, pigmentation, and defense against environmental stressors.
Alongside terpenes and cannabinoids, flavonoids substantially impact the effects and experience of marijuana consumption.
What are Flavonoids?
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Flavonoids constitute a large family of polyphenolic metabolites found throughout the plant kingdom. Flavonoid variants exceed 6,000.
This chemical structure has 15 carbon atoms in a C6-C3-C6 form. This backbone gives flavonoids a shared basic structure.
In cannabis, major flavonoids include cannflavin A, cannflavin B, quercetin, and kaempferol.
These compounds accumulate primarily in the plant’s leaves and flowers.
Flavonoid content depends on genetics, growth conditions, processing, and other factors.
What do Flavonoids do?
In plants, flavonoids contribute to vivid pigments that attract pollinators and protect against UV radiation, pathogens, and environmental stress.
These phytochemicals also give cannabis its aromatic qualities.
Flavonoids are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective in humans.
For instance, cannabis-specific cannflavin A and B may suppress COX-2, an inflammatory enzyme. Quercetin promotes apoptosis in cancer cells.
Much more investigation is needed, but flavonoids likely play a role in the therapeutic benefits ascribed to cannabis.
Difference between Flavonoids, Terpenes, and Cannabinoids
While the major cannabis compounds overlap in function, key distinctions exist.
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD directly interact with human endocannabinoid receptors.
Terpenes influence flavor, aroma, and effects.
Flavonoids provide pigment and protect the plant itself. All three contribute to the entourage effect, creating a complex experience.
