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Although phytocannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most studied and explored components of Medical Cannabisflavonoids have been drawing the attention of scientists for their own therapeutic effects. Of more than 500 chemical compounds present in the plant, at least 20 flavonoids have already been analyzed, with promising results for this therapy.
Among the effects potentiated by Cannabis flavonoids, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antineoplastic and photoprotective properties stand out. In this post, we are going to talk better about this scenario, so you can understand how the synergy between phytocannabinoids and flavonoids helps to optimize the therapy, improving results and modulating potential adverse effects.
What do we know about Cannabis flavonoids?
The flavonoids compounds are not exclusive of Cannabis chemovarsThey are also present in many other species of vegetables, as well as in common everyday fruits and grains. Flavonoids provide color, aroma and flavor to species containing them. In case of Cannabis, they also help to differentiate the plant lineages.
As with terpenes which have also been the subject of research in addition to CBD and THC in medicinal cannabis flavonoids act synergistically with the main cannabinoids, providing different therapeutic results as this interaction develops. Scientifically, this process is known as the Entourage Effect, and explains the synergy between all plant components.
This synergistic effect potentiates the medicinal benefits of Cannabis, while modulating any adverse reactions. The more scientists delve into the study of Cannabis flavonoids, the more we learn about the therapeutic properties of these compounds and their interaction with the main phytocannabinoids, enabling increasingly assertive prescriptions.
What are the main therapeutic effects?
An interesting paper published in 2021 contain an important literature review on Cannabis Plant flavonoids and their main therapeutic effects. The study analyzed about 20 flavonoids (quercetin, catechin, canaflavin, among others) showing medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic potential.
>>> See here the full research Flavonoids in Cannabis sativa: Biosynthesis, Bioactivities, and Biotechnology.
Although studies involving cannabis flavonoids are still scarce, the review mentioned above encompasses promising perspectives on the benefits of said compounds – including the possibility of producing flavonoids by means of Biotechnology, in order to boost the therapeutic use of said substances in medical practice.
Below, we summarize some of these therapeutic effects:
Anti-inflammatory action
Generally, researches indicate that several flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties. This study, published in 2019, suggests that the flavonoids called cannflavins A and B are even more potent in this regard, with an anti-inflammatory potency 30-fold greater than aspirin, for example.
>>> To read this full study, visit Biosynthesis of cannflavins A and B from Cannabis sativa L.
Antineoplastic potential
There is also already scientific evidence that flavonoids can help prevent and fight cancer. This is suggested by this bibliographic review on the use of flavonoids in the oncological context. The results show that the action of said substances is capable of limiting the proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis of cancer cells, and may also stimulate their apoptosis.
>>> Access the full article here Flavonoids in Cancer and Apoptosis.
Other studies reinforce the antineoplastic potential of flavonoids. This study published in 2019 stands out, pointing out the potential of cannflavins in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In this experiment, the results are related to reducing the size of tumors and fighting the metastasis.
>>> Access the full article here Flavonoid Derivative of Cannabis Demonstrates Therapeutic Potential in Preclinical Models of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.
>>> Access the full article here Anti-Cancer Potential of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids Present in Cannabis
Dermatological Health
Flavonoids can also be great alternatives to treat dermatological diseases. No wonder, these substances are quite common in the formulation of cosmetic products and medicines for topical use, because they are easily absorbed through the skin. Scientific evidence shows various properties of flavonoids in this context, such as antioxidant, depigmentation and photoprotection.
>>> Read the study on this evidence: Recent advances in topical delivery of flavonoids: A review, dos autores Ruchika L Nagula, Sarika Wairkar
Despite research specifically addressing Cannabis flavonoids and their interactions with other plant compounds being limited, the promising therapeutic potential of these substances is noteworthy. Therefore, knowing and understanding in depth the profile of the prescribed Cannabis product is essential for more assertive treatments.
Proper training in this field helps physicians to safely and effectively incorporate Medicinal Cannabis into their therapeutic arsenal.
We can help you on this mission. Contact us and join our global community of studies in Endocannabinoid Medicine!
References
Abotaleb M, Samuel SM, Varghese E, Varghese S, Kubatka P, Liskova A, Büsselberg D. Flavonoids in Cancer and Apoptosis. Cancers (Basel). 2018.
Bautista JL, Yu S, Tian L. Flavonoids in Cannabis sativa: Biosynthesis, Bioactivities, and Biotechnology. ACS Omega. 2021.
Moreau M, Ibeh U, Decosmo K, Bih N, Yasmin-Karim S, Toyang N, Lowe H, Ngwa W. Flavonoid Derivative of Cannabis Demonstrates Therapeutic Potential in Preclinical Models of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. 2019.
Nagula RL, Wairkar S. Recent advances in topical delivery of flavonoids: A review. J Control Release. 2019.
Rea KA, Casaretto JA, Al-Abdul-Wahid MS, Sukumaran A, Geddes-McAlister J, Rothstein SJ, Akhtar TA. Biosynthesis of cannflavins A and B from Cannabis sativa L. Phytochemistry. 2019.
