CANNFLAVINS/FLAVONOIDS

2023:

• Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds drive the aroma differences of Exotic Cannabis. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c04496 
• Chemistry and Biological Activity of Cannflavins of the cannabis plant. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37756221/ 

What are Flavonoids?

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       Flavonoids are responsible for a few plant processes, the most well-known is coloration. The most familiar flavonoids in the cannabis plant, according to Byars (2021), are Cannaflavin A, B and C, as well as apigenin, isovitexin, kaempferol, luteolin, orientin, quercetin and vitexin (Byars, 2021). They act as protectors to the plant from harmful UV rays and help tissues repair in the event of an injury. Flavonoids contribute to a plant’s appeal to pollinators. Flavonoids are an underutilized component to the cannabis plant; it is clear by the lack of research that has been completed more information is desperately needed as this is such a promising, untapped resource. It needs to be noted, contrary to other plants flavonoids, cannabis does not contain any flavonoids in the root structures or seeds (Byars, 2021). A quick scan of CannaKeys reveals zero cannabis specific flavonoid published research articles. In the weekly reading, both Clark (2021) and Byars (2021) refer to one well known article reviewing the value of flavonoids in a mouse model of local and metastatic pancreatic cancer. How could this translate to a human model? Clark (2021) refers to diets rich in flavonoids potentially reduce risks of cancer development (Clark, 2021). “Let food by thy medicine.”

         The most efficient way to ingest these flavonoids clearly is through raw or low, gentle heat, ethanol extraction, trans-dermally with DMSO or other methods (Hudson 2021). No need to blast the plant material with flame or other harsh manufacturing methods. Clearly the flavonoids in the cannabis plant are shy and want to be teased out gently and treated with respect. Byars (2021) reports flavonoids are water soluble, therefore, teas, ethanol extractions and basic water infusions could be an easy way to give your body the cannabis flavonoids it needs! How about tossing it into a salad?! Yum! Not only is this delivery method preserving the other, whole plant components like terpenes, it also may avoid intoxication associated with high temperatures/decarboxylation. If choosing to make a tea, observation of boiling temperatures is vital to preservation of the flavonoid plant material. Flavonoids are an undervalued component of the complex nature of the cannabis plant. Hopefully, one day there will be a breakthrough in their medicinal value and we will have a robust research library from which to guide us towards those flavonoids that hold great value.

Reference:

Byars, T. (2021). An Introduction to Cannabis Science. Author. 

Clark, C. (2021). Cannabis: A handbook for nurses. Wolters Kluwer.

Hudson, R. (2021). J. Graddon (Ed.), The Big Book of Terps: Understanding Terpenes, Flavonoids, and Synergy in Cannabis.