FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients found in almost all fruits and vegetables and play a big part in creating their vivid colors. There are more than 6,000 types of flavonoids, many of which have powerful health benefits associated with diets rich in fruits and vegetables such as anti-inflammatory and immune support. The cannabis plant contains a number of important flavonoids.

Flavonoids have become popular for their antioxidant benefits.  They often occur as the pigments in fruits and flowers.  Flavonoids are aromatic polyphenolic compounds with a common chemical structure existing mainly as C-/O- and O-glycosides of the flavon- and flavonol- type aglycones.  Several sub classes exist based upon variation of that base chemical structure.

In Cannabis sativa L., more than 23 flavonoids have been identified, representing seven chemical structures which can be glycosylated, prenylated or methylated.  These compounds are scientifically recognized as one of the largest and most widespread groups of plant based secondary metabolites with marked physiologic effects.  Out of the currently 23 identified flavonoids in hemp, only a few have been researched with regards to their physiologic activity.

However, even with limited research, these compounds have demonstrated numerous and wide reaching physiologic properties.  They directly interact with and modulate the ECS.  Furthermore, they chemically potentiate and mitigate the physiologic activity of phytocannabinoids and terpenes.  Similarly, they have demonstrated physiologic modulation individually and independent of the endocannabinoid system.