What Do Flavonoids Do in Cannabis?

Flavonoids play a variety of roles in the cannabis plant. On a visual level, flavonoids affect the pigmentation of cannabis. In other words, they help provide the various hues seen in the cannabis plant. In addition, flavonoids also have an effect on the cannabis plant's aroma alongside terpenes. In addition to experience, flavonoids can provide the plant with various health benefits, such as an antioxidant boost, inflammation prevention, and anti-fungal properties.

Do Trichomes Produce Flavonoids?

Trichomes are tiny, crystalline-looking structures that are visible to the naked eye when examining a bud of cannabis. These shiny, sticky, hair-like structures appear at first whiff to add to the overall aroma of the plant. On a more scientific level, trichomes are microscopic, mushroom-like outgrowths on the female cannabis bud that produce the various cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids of the cannabis plant through biosynthesis, in addition to the various flavonoids associated with the cannabis plant. Trichomes can be found in various plant species throughout nature and serve a variety of purposes. When it comes to cannabis, trichomes act as a defense mechanism, serving as a deterrent to animals by creating compounds with a bitter taste and a strong, off-putting smell, as well as compounds with UV-protective properties. These characteristics appear to be shared by both terpenes and flavonoids.

What Part of Cannabis is Most Potent?

When it comes to the cannabis plant, one of the most frequent questions asked is which plant component is the most potent in THC. While cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are found throughout the plant, the buds of the flower itself are the most potent. Most specifically, the buds near the top of the plant can provide the greatest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. Sugar leaves appear to provide some levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, while fan leaves and the plant stem house the lowest levels of these compounds.

What Influences the Potency of Cannabis?

Cannabis potency can be impacted by various environmental factors. This includes the growing process, how the plant was grown, the weather, and overall quality of care. Potency is determined by the genetic traits of the plants as well; this is why cannabis cultivators take the time to cross-breed specific strains to elevate desired qualities.

What Is the Difference Between Flavonoids and Terpenes?

Terpenes are likely the best-known cannabis compounds besides cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpenes are a naturally occurring chemical compounds found in a wide variety of plants and animals. Terpenes are responsible for different vegetation colors, flavors, and smells. While this description sounds a lot like flavonoids, there is a difference between the two. The main difference between terpenes and flavonoids is how they impact your senses. Terpenes primarily impact the plant’s aroma while flavonoids are mostly associated with color. While we now know that both compounds contribute to smell, color, and taste, it’s believed terpenes more heavily influence aroma and flavor, while flavonoids influence color. The differences also arise when considering the unique therapeutic effects that these different compounds can provide. Terpenes and flavonoids provide a variety of different therapeutic benefits, ranging from anti-inflammatory properties, anti-fungal, antioxidants, and other physical and mental benefits. It is difficult to determine how much each compound group contributes to a particular effect without additional research. That’s why cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are best described as working synergistically to create the entourage effect.

How Do Cannabis Flavonoids Interact with the Body?

Flavonoids are able to inhibit free radicals and bind to many proteins, altering their activities. Flavonoids also interact with multiple membrane-bound receptors in the body, as well as the endocannabinoid receptors in your body's endocannabinoid system. These interactions can result in a wide range of effects and can alter system functions, regulation, and signaling. This can positively affect the bodily responses controlled by the endocannabinoid system, including its inflammatory response.

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system is a biological system of receptors, molecules, and enzymes within the body. This system was first discovered and studied in the late 1980s. It is believed that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating functions such as sleep, memory, mood, appetite, and pain. As a result, the ECS is considered essential for maintaining homeostasis, which is a state of conditions that allows for optimal cell function. While the body naturally produces its own endocannabinoid molecules, they are structurally similar to the cannabinoid molecules found in cannabis. The way cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors is why cannabis can have various effects on the body and mind. Cannabinoids can modulate the actions of the endocannabinoid system and provide pain relief, inflammation relief, and even euphoric effects.

How does Cannabis Affect the Endocannabinoid System?

Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in your central nervous system and peripheral systems. While THC’s binding in the CNS does produce the psychoactive high associated with cannabis, it can also subdue symptoms such as pain, whereas CBD can produce anti-inflammatory benefits. In short, the effects you associate with the plant have to do with the cannabinoids and cannabis compounds interacting with the ECS.

How Do Cannabis Flavonoids Affect the Taste and Smell of Cannabis?

In nature, flavonoids help to protect a plant from predators and harmful environmental factors. This is done by changing the hue of the plant, as well as making the plant less appealing for eating. For example, flavonoids lend a signature bitter taste to plant parts like citrus peels and may help provide that signature cannabis aroma that is off-putting to animals but appealing to humans. When it comes to cannabis, the taste and smell can vary due to the distinct types of flavonoids that can be found on the plant, but these aspects are primarily tied to a plant’s terpene profile.

What is the Future of Cannabis Flavonoid Research?

While the future of cannabis flavonoids looks bright, there are still some roadblocks when it comes to detailed cannabis research. Cannabis continues to be a topic of some controversy in a number of states, especially those which have still failed to legalize medicinal cannabis. Even more, cannabis remains illegal on a federal level, which creates a great deal of red tape for researchers looking to source cannabis for research from a variety of sources. However, with growing acceptance and proof of medicinal benefits, researchers may soon be able to broaden the scope of their cannabis studies. This could help us better understand the complexities of cannabis, including cannabis flavonoid function.

What Are Some Products That Feature Cannabis Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are a vital component of the cannabis plant and are found in the highest concentrations in the female flower of the plant, along with terpenes and cannabinoids. As such, any product made from cannabis flower contains some level of flavonoids. This includes a variety of flower strains, concentrates, edibles, oral products, topicals, and more. While flavonoids are technically present within any cannabis product you may consume, there are certain products that will feature the flavonoids better. If you want to take the time to really see, smell, and taste the difference between various cannabis cultivars and their associated terpene and flavonoid profiles, smoking flower is a good option. You’ll be able to examine the bud itself in its entirety, taking in the different hues and smells. You’ll also get to see the trichomes up close, which play a significant role in the potency of the bud. If smoking flower isn’t for you, consider trying a full-spectrum extract like Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). Full-spectrum extracts are made from multiple parts of the cannabis plant and incorporate the full extent of the plant's cannabinoid, terpene, flavonoid, and lipid profiles.

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Understanding Cannabis Flavonoids

Understanding Cannabis Flavonoids

By Danyal Swan May 26, 2023

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Cannabis is quite the complex plant, boasting over 400 chemical compounds. It is so complex, in fact, that even after thousands of years of cannabis use, researchers are still making new discoveries when it comes to cannabis phytochemistry (plant chemistry). While the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of cannabis cultivars are commonly discussed, there are other important compounds that also contribute to the entourage effect of this therapeutic plant.

Put simply, the entourage effect describes the way the hundreds of phytochemicals work synergistically to help one another create a therapeutic cannabis experience. A lesser-known piece to the understanding of the entourage effect is a chemical group known as flavonoids. Learn more about how these compounds contribute to the overall cannabis experience.

What Are Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are often associated with the color of cannabis, but they play a role that goes much deeper than the surface. Flavonoids are secondary metabolites, organic compounds produced by any life form that are not directly involved in normal growth or development. To differentiate between primary and secondary metabolites, it is important to know that primary metabolites in plants are directly involved in growth, development, and reproduction. An organism can die if its primary metabolites, like amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, are destroyed or disrupted.

Secondary metabolites like flavonoids are not directly involved in these critical processes and would not necessarily result in an organism’s death if missing — though they can provide essential protection and support to help the organism thrive.

Flavonoids were first described by Robert Boyle in 1664 in his book about experimentation with plants and colors. By 1930, we would have our first official identification of a flavonoid made by a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist. When investigating the cannabis plant, twenty different varieties have been discovered.

In nature, flavonoids are known for their diversity and variety of colors throughout various plant life. There are over 8,000 varieties of flavonoids that can be found in almost every plant species, including vegetables, herbs, and fruits. The most commonly occurring hue they create is yellow, and its Latin name, “flavus,” inspired the name of this group of compounds. Flavonoids can also be found in blues and reds.

What Role Do Flavonoids Play?

We often don’t give the colors we see much thought, but there is a great deal of science behind them. Color is perceived by the optical systems of various animals as wavelengths of light absorbed and reflected back to the eye by that particular substance. As the major component of plant color, flavonoids can reflect or transmit energy, which creates a particular color for the eye to see. This ability to absorb and reflect light is what actually helps flavonoids protect plants from harmful environmental hazards.

The same properties that help flavonoids protect plants are also what provide nutrients and antioxidants to the plant and those that consume them. Increased antioxidant production continues to be a highly sought-after plant characteristic, especially when it comes to human consumption for health and nutrition.

Antioxidants are important because they can prevent free radicals in the body from creating negative oxidation chain reactions that lead to cell deterioration and death. Due to their ability to boost antioxidants and nutrients, flavonoids may provide encouraging results when it comes to combating serious health conditions such as some cancers, diabetes, and heart disease.

Flavonoids play a vital role in seed development and the growth process through necessary functions such as cell cycle progression. Not only do flavonoids help a plant to thrive, but they also act as a defense mechanism, preventing damage from various environmental stressors like insects, UV rays, fungi, and bacteria.

Of course, flavonoids do contribute to the overall appearance of a plant. This contribution to plant characteristics extends even further than pigment, as flavonoids also contribute to flavor and aroma. When it comes to cannabis, flavonoids provide different strains with their unique taste, smell, and color.

Cannabis Flavonoids and the Body

You’ll first experience flavonoids via your primary senses. You’ll see the pigmentation they provide to the various strains, then smell the different aromas they can create. Finally, you may taste some of the differences cannabis flavonoids can create within a cultivar.

In addition to what you can see, smell, and taste, flavonoids also appear to contribute to cannabis’ therapeutic benefits. Flavonoids play a vital role in cannabis’ entourage effect. The entourage effect is a term used to describe the interactions of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds with the endocannabinoid system in the body. This system interacts with both endogenous (produced by the body) and cannabis-derived cannabinoids to regulate things like sleep, mood, pain, and more.

The entourage effect occurs when these compounds work synergistically to provide a therapeutic effect on the body. Medicinally, compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes have been linked to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that can help attenuate certain diseases or their symptoms. Flavonoids are crucial to the entourage effect, as they have been shown to directly contribute to these properties.

Since every strain of cannabis has a unique combination of these compounds, every strain will provide different medicinal and psychoactive effects. The various combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids have similarly varied effects on the way cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. This is why some strains are ideal for pain management while others may have more of an impact on sleep, mood, and more.

Common Cannabis Flavonoids

Researchers have discovered twenty distinct types of flavonoids in the cannabis plant alone. Some of these flavonoids are more dominant than others and may provide more significant health and experiential benefits.

There are three different classes that are used to categorize flavonoids. This includes bioflavonoids, isoflavonoids, and neo flavonoids. The difference between these categories hinges upon the various ways these compounds attach. Within these three different classes are dozens of subgroups. These subgroups vary in the production of antioxidants, color pigmentation, and effects.

Cannflavins A, B, and C

These flavonoid varieties are only produced in the cannabis plant and are part of a category class referred to as flavones. Research has linked Cannflavin A specifically to neuroprotective properties, reducing inflammation, and providing anti-cancer properties, though more studies are needed to confirm. Cannflavins have also been shown to provide antioxidant properties.

Kaempferol

This flavonoid can be found in a wide variety of plants that are likely already a part of your diet, like:

Cucumbers
Green beans
Kale
Beans
Endives

Spinach
Onions
Capers
Saffron
And more

When it comes to the medicinal qualities of this flavonoid, explorations into the treatment of various cancers are underway. Kaempferol appears to reduce the occurrence of cell death, aid in the formation of new blood cells, and minimize inflammation within the body.

Quercetin

Our body is no stranger to the commonly found flavonoid quercetin. This flavonoid is the most abundant of any flavonoid in a typical diet and can be found in a variety of foods such as:

Kale
Berries
Apples
Citrus fruits

Red onions
Cocoa
Various nutrient-packed vegetables

This flavonoid is often easy to spot due to the deeply colored yellow hue associated with the skin and leaves of various plants. Quercetin is a super antioxidant that appears to help combat free radicals by suppressing inflammatory pathways. The flavonoid is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiviral, and may help boost physical and mental performance.

Apigenin

This flavonoid can be found in a variety of foods, such as:

Celery
Parsley
Basil
Mint

Cilantro
Tarragon
Onions

Apigenin has been used for centuries to aid in the dyeing of wool due to its vibrant yellow color. When it comes to interacting with the body, it is known for providing muscle-relaxing and calming effects. For example, it is believed that apigenin is the active ingredient that provides sleep-inducing or calming effects in chamomile teas. In addition to aiding in relaxation, this flavonoid is also a beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral compound.

Flavonoid FAQs

Flavonoids are amazingly versatile and complex compounds. Learn more about how they interact with the human body with these frequently asked questions.

Flavonoids Enhance Your Cannabis Experience

The cannabis plant continues to astound cannabis customers and cultivators alike with its complexities. Years ago, cannabis terpenes and flavonoids were largely unexamined components of the cannabis plant. Today, they are considered vital components of the cannabis entourage effect.

Cannabis flavonoids are a powerful and beneficial addition to any patient's routine. As the research continues to build around flavonoids, including their effects and interactions, it is important for patients to stay up-to-date with the most current and accurate information. While cannabis use should always be done under medical supervision and with caution, understanding these compounds can provide a safe and effective way to harness the plant’s healing properties.

Flavonoids Enhance Your Cannabis Experience

References:

Atkins, P., Energy and Elements, Part II: A Closer Look at ICP, Cannabis Science and Technology, 2023,6(1), 20-25. https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/energy-and-elements-part-ii-a-closer-look-at-icp
Livingston, S.J., Quilichini, T.D., Booth, J.K., Wong, D.C.J., Rensing, K.H., Laflamme-Yonkman, J., Castellarin, S.D., Bohlmann, J., Page, J.E. and Samuels, A.L. (2020), Cannabis glandular trichomes alter morphology and metabolite content during flower maturation. Plant J, 101: 37-56. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.14516
Richins RD, Rodriguez-Uribe L, Lowe K, Ferral R, O’Connell MA (2018) Accumulation of bioactive metabolites in cultivated medical Cannabis. PLoS ONE 13(7): e0201119. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201119

Danyal Swan

Author

Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Contributor for Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.