Flavonoids
January 2021
In the following blog post, we will discuss what flavonoids are, how they can work, and what their functions are.
1. Flavonoids and their functions
2. The effect of flavonoids on the human body
3. Flavonoids in ancient medicine
4. Flavonoids in cannabis
1. Flavonoids and their functions
Flavonoids belong to a group of plant chemicals known as phytonutrients. They are found in all vegetables and fruits and are generally responsible for their striking and appealing colors. As already mentioned, flavonoids play an important role in plants, especially in color, and provide yellow, blue, and red pigments in fruits and flowers, which attract animals such as bees for pollination.
There are over 6,000 different types of flavonoids, which can be divided into 12 individual categories. Anthocyanidins, flavas-3-ols, flavones, flavonones, and isoflavones are the flavonoids with the greatest dietary significance.
2. The effect of flavonoids on the human body
Various studies suggest that flavonoids are partly behind the many positive health effects of fruits and vegetables.
According to a study by the Linus Pauling Institute, flavonoids have a variety of positive effects on our health. For example, flavonoids in plants are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antithrombogenic, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects, as well as to weaken cancer cells. The institute's study also cites evidence showing that flavonoids can improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. Other studies also suggest that some flavonoids can help diabetics control their blood sugar levels.
3. Flavonoids in ancient medicine
Flavonoids belong to a group of phytonutrients called polyphenols. In ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, polyphenols were primarily used to protect the skin, improve brain function, and regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. Polyphenols were also known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Current studies suggest that flavonoids can help with the following:
-Longevity
-Weight control
-Treatment of cardiovascular diseases
-Diabetes
-Cancer
-Neurodegeneration
Flavonoids are thought to be found primarily in the skins of fruits and vegetables. They are also highly unstable and are destroyed by most cooking methods. Therefore, it is believed that consuming raw fruits and vegetables provides the greatest health benefits from flavonoids.
4. Flavonoids in cannabis
Cannabis, like other plants, contains flavonoids. In fact, flavonoids (and terpenes) in each plant are responsible for the intense aromas, colors, and flavors of a strain. The flowers of cannabis plants exhibit a wide variety of colors and can form shades of green, yellow, orange, red, and sometimes even blue or purple. These flavonoids are produced throughout the lifespan of the cannabis plant and play an important role in filtering UV rays and defending against pests and diseases.
Unfortunately, due to prohibition, there hasn't been much research into identifying, classifying, and studying flavonoids. To date, the following flavonoids are known to exist in the cannabis plant:
-Cannaflavins A, B and C
-ß-sitosterol
-Vitexin
-Isovitexin
-Apigenin
-Kaempferol
-Quercetin
-Luteolin
-Oriental
Which flavonoids the cannabis plant ultimately produces depends on the plant's genetics and growing conditions. Currently, very little is known about flavonoids in cannabis. However, it is hoped that further research will soon reveal how they contribute to the unique and diverse effects of cannabis.
