Flavonoids are a group of plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including cannabis.
Some researchers believe that the flavonoids in cannabis may provide many therapeutic benefits, by interacting with the enzymes and receptors in our bodies. Some of these benefits are believed to potentially include:
Some of the most common flavonoids found in cannabis are also thought to play a role in the plant’s defense against pests and diseases. Over 20 different types of cannabis flavonoids have been identified, including:
The levels of flavonoids in cannabis can vary, depending on the growing conditions, the strain of the plant, and the processing method. Furthermore, flavonoids are more concentrated in the flowers than the leaves, and more likely to be preserved when cannabis is processed using cold extraction.
Much of the research on the potential benefits from flavonoids is considered inconclusive, as non-biased hard data on cannabis is still preliminary. As cannabis continued to become more mainstream, researchers will be able to learn more about the plant and its effects.
Sources: Journal of Nutritional Science, Cannabis Science and Technology, Leafly