Flavonoids

29. 05. 2023

Chemical analyzes and fingerprints of cannabis varieties in the future may well replace todays gross distribution by name such as OG Kush or Colorado Cookies

Todays modern hemp market is literally overwhelmed by all sorts of varieties and genetic hybrids. It is often the case that, in particular, less experienced users have a problem choosing the right option to fit their needs. Fortunately, the technology of test methods and detection of chemical make-up of our favorite plant develops as quickly as the development of new varieties. Thus, cannabis users have more and more choice.

Cannabinoidy, terpenes and flavonoids

The active cannabis molecules in the human body work with the so-called "entourage effect". The active molecules are then not just cannabinoids such as THC or CBD, but also terpenes (more in the article) Terpenes - what is behind the smell of cannabis ") and flavonoids. By combining all these little ones, alEffective cannabis molecules have an overall therapeutic effect in the body, with each molecule playing a role.

Different content of these molecules in different varieties often results in very different final effects on both the psyche and the physical body.

In the field of todays cannabis sciences flav is the main focus of interestonoids - molecules, thanks to which the medicinal cannabis has such a wide range of colors and flavors.

In the research of these very interesting plant particles is at an early stage. However, these substances are already described as a treasure just waiting to be opened. Preliminary results of researchers point to their considerable potential in the field of anti -cancer drugs such asantioxidants as well as antimicrobial drugs. Onceso maybe we will see a day when the medical cannabis will be prescribed to us by the doctor as a prevention - perhaps against the flu.

Raphael Mechoulam, a biochemist from Israel who discovered a determined structure CBD and a year laterthe first to isolate the molecule THC, sees a promising future in understanding the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes (molecules that give cannabis varieties a specific flavor). However, he also mentions that there is currently insufficient intensive research into flavonoids and their interaction with cannabinoids.

"In the flavon regionoids and their interaction with cannabinoids has not yet been adequately studied. It even seems to be the worlds first laboratory to provide thorough testing of flavonoids in cannabis, says Reggie Gaudino, vice president of science operations and head of intellectual property and genetic analysis at Steep Hill Labs.

Gaudino further explains that flavonoidythey have very similar properties to terpenes - they come from the same "family" of plant particles, which scientific literature classifies as terpinoids. Flavonoids, described by Gaudino, are essentially a group of terpenes and thus have an important role in the resulting flavor, aroma and in particular the curative properties of the variety. In addition, certain flavonoids also affect the resulting plant pigmentation.

"There is one type of flavonoid that typically gives us a violet color in adult plants.the resulting product. "

"Flavonoids that are responsible for the final coloration of plants are specifically antoxanthins and anthocyanins. These flavonoids have certain specific properties and influence on the final effect of the variety, but remember that the color itself does not mean. you need to focus, says Gaudino.

Gaudino also points out nand other properties of these substances - are able to not only develop violet in plantsalso provide additional protection against UV radiation.

Unique, medicinal cannabis flavonoids

While flavonoids as such are present in many different plants, flavonoids contained in cannabis (cannaflavins A, B and C) have exceptional therapeutic properties.

For example, a 1980 study by Dr. Marilyn Barrett showed not only that cannaflavinacts as a cure for inflammation, even works 30 times better than aspirin.

"Many flavonoids have certain therapeutic or protective properties," Gaudino explains. "Many of them are known for their antibacterial and antimycotic effects. They serve this purpose as part of living cannabis plants, and we can use them as a natural antibiotic or antimycotic."

Sativa & Indika? Not so fast ...

Along with the constant development of cannabis test methods, the complexity of varietal categorization is also developing, which gradually starts to include the distribution of flavonoids. While hemp has been and still is still categorized as either Indian or Sowing (indica, sativa), the scientific community is now more inclined to more detailed resolution.

"OK, Indian hemp has a wide pressnarrow and narrow cannabis "describes Gaudino." But gradually, we are becoming increasingly aware that simple morphology resolution is not sufficient. However, there are many other, ever-evolving genetic varieties between a variety of thin and broad leaves . One of the main variables is in addition to genetics, a method of cultivating plants. "

Overall, however, the whole issue seems to be on a very good path. Along with the constant, resilient efforts of all adventurous cannabis breeders, the ability of scientists such as Professor Gaudino to test these new genetics to map their variable, therapeutic spectrum.

So hope is that one day eitherFor breeding and testing methods of cannabis profiles at such a level thatwill be possible with

"I think we may have to start categorizing cannabis according to precise, chemical profiles rather than genetic morphology."

Gaudino goes on to say, "We can imagine this as such a picture. At the moment we have a pretty low resolution picture, but with the advancement of technology and understanding of the chemicals contained in cannabis, we are increasingly focusing on the image. and effectively select the varieties of cannabis as a true medicine. "

Major Flavonoids

Thanks to flavonoids, for example, the taste of wine, tea or chocolate is so irresistible. Provisional research results point to 21 flavonoids that could play an important role in the development of anticancer drugs, inflammations, diabetes, viral diseases and more. There is also speculation about their use as "bio-bags" - that is, increased cortical activity, blood supply to the brain, and thus a healthy improvement in mental performance.

To illustrate this, we will describe those herethe most promising flavonoids:

Apigenin -Very powerful antioxidant. It is also found, for example, in chamomile, it also acts well against inflammation.

Silymarin - prevents the replication of Hepatitis C, an antioxidant

Luteolin -a potential drug for cancer prevention and therapy aid

Queercetin -it disrupts the proliferation of cancerous cells, acts against viruses and against inflammation

Kaempferol- antioxidant, diabetes treatment, treatment of heart disease, antibacterial effects

Orientin- antioxidant, against inflammation, antibiotic

Vitexin -acts against cancer, the potential for treating gout or gout

And what about you, our readers? What are your experiences with flavonoids and what is your opinion on chemical profiling of cannabis varieties? Share your feedback with us in the comments section!