Guide: Flavonoids, Terpenes, and Cannabinoids
The Overlooked Benefits of Cannabis and Hemp
Surprising Benefits Overlooked
By now, you’ve probably heard the news that cannabis and hemp plants are full of compounds that interact with and heal many of our bodily systems that have are out of sync.
And you’re probably familiar with the wide range of conditions cannabis and hemp potentially have the power to treat.
But what about the often-overlooked compounds present in cannabis and hemp?
Some of the most exciting therapeutic possibilities are unfolding as research continues to refine our understanding of this ancient plant’s medicinal potential.
Want to know the most unexpected benefit of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids?
We’ll cover that in just a minute.
First, let’s look at each of these compounds individually to understand what makes them so special.
Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are the main compounds found in cannabis.
But we’re only now beginning to understand the full range of their healing power.
Which means:
Cannabis may prove to be even more beneficial than was previously thought.
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What Are Cannabinoids?
New Miracle Compound?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that interact with our endocannabinoid system. When cannabis is ingested, cannabinoids interact with and bind to receptors present in the brain and immune system.
Of all cannabis compounds, cannabinoids and their benefits have been the most thoroughly researched. Cannabinoids affect our memory, appetite, mood, pain, sleep, and immune system.
With so many far-reaching benefits, cannabinoids are sometimes thought of as a sort of miracle compound – one that’s able to treat many conditions.
So, what are these major cannabinoids and what exactly can they do?
Major Cannabinoids
Most cannabinoids are created when light and heat transform cannabinoid acids. There is only one exception – CBN is created differently. But more on that in a minute.
These are the major cannabinoids that show up in the highest concentrations, and have been most heavily researched:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
- Cannabidiol (CBN)
What makes these compounds so special?
The Incredible Healing Potential of Major Cannabinoids
Therapeutic Benefits Revealed
While scientists are feverishly at work discovering new benefits and applications for cannabis, early research has already revealed significant therapeutic potential for the plant’s major cannabinoids.
Here are some of the potential benefits of the major cannabinoids —
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Benefits
One of the most well-known and extensively researched cannabinoids is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is the main psychoactive component in cannabis. Its specific benefits include —
Pain Relief
Studies have shown that THC can ease chronic nerve-related pain. Research has revealed that THC causes the central nervous system to block pain signals from being sent to the brain. In one FDA-approved trial, a low dose of THC was found to reduce nerve pain intensity by 30% – which is statistically significant.
Eases Nausea & Vomiting
The THC pill, Marinol, has been around since the 1980s and is effectively used to treat nausea and vomiting in cancer patients – however, Marinol is both synthetic and an isolate. Meaning it does not contain the full range of beneficial effects of THC found in whole-plant cannabis.
Protects Brain Cells
THC has been shown to have neuroprotective properties. It helps protect brain cells from damage.
Promotes Brain Growth
In addition to having neuroprotective properties, THC, like CBD has been shown to cause brains cells located in the hippocampus to grow. THC also improves the ability to learn by activating the brain’s CB1 receptor. The potential to use this compound to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s is being researched.
Further Reading: CBD Oil for Alzheimer’s Disease
Effective Sleep Aid
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from poor sleep, THC may help. Other cannabinoids promote healthy sleep as well, but THC is more readily available than some of the others.
Helps Treat PTSD
Over 20 million Americans have PTSD. And THC has been proven to help ease a variety of PTSD-related symptoms. These include agitation, depression, insomnia, flashbacks, and nightmares. THC may be the answer for many people.
Increases Appetite
Many serious health conditions diminish appetite, and THC can help restore it. Research has uncovered that THC interacts with receptors hypothalamus causing it to release the hormone ghrelin, an appetite stimulant. A study published from the Université De Bordeaux has also concluded that THC makes food taste better by interacting with the olfactory bulb in the brain.
Antibacterial
Like many cannabis compounds, THC is antibacterial. Also like other compounds, it is effective at killing an antibiotic-resistant strain of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Antioxidant
THC is a potent antioxidant that promotes anti-aging and anti-stress. It is powerful in protecting against oxidative stress that can cause damage on a cellular level.
Anti-inflammatory
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases and has been linked to diabetes, cancer, dementia, depression, and obesity. Research suggests that THC can suppress the production of immune compounds that cause inflammation.
Bronchodilator
THC is a known bronchodilator. Studies dating back to 1975 have shown its effectiveness at opening airways in our lungs. This can be very beneficial for treating conditions like asthma and COPD.
Cancer Fighting Properties
Several cannabinoids show promise in treating cancer. Early research has shown that THC can trigger cancer cells to ‘self-destruct’ when they become damaged. It can also stop tumors from forming blood vessels; essentially starving it of food and oxygen. In addition, research is also showing that THC and other cannabinoids can prevent cancer from metastasizing; blocking it from spreading to other parts of the body.
Muscle relaxant
THC is a well-known muscle relaxant. This is therapeutically beneficial to patients suffering from symptoms of conditions like multiple sclerosis, who often experience frequent muscle pain and spasms. The cannabis-based medicine, Sativex, is on the market in over 30 countries and contains both THC and CBD.
THC is an Anticonvulsant
CBD is well-known for its ability to reduce seizures, but THC is getting a closer look too. Research dating back to the 1940s found that THC has anticonvulsant properties and can reduce seizures in animals. Further Reading: The Hidden Cannabinoid THCV
And then there’s that other cannabinoid you’ve likely heard a lot about…
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is the other cannabinoid that has been most heavily researched. At this point, it has earned its identity as a well-known therapeutic compound and is growing in popularity.
It’s also inspiring a wide variety of new products to appear in the marketplace. Everything from CBD-infused soda to bath salts can now be readily found.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and still offers many of the same benefits including —
- Pain relief
- Digestive Aid
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Cancer Fighter
- Anti-Seizure Properties
And some of the often-overlooked therapeutic benefits of CBD include —
Antipsychotic
According to research released by the University of Cologne in Germany, CBD has been shown to ease symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Roughly 2.4 million adults are affected by schizophrenia.
Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
In laboratory studies, CBD oil has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type-1 diabetes. This may prove to be incredibly beneficial to more than a million Americans who suffer from this genetic autoimmune disease.
Other major cannabinoids share many of the same beneficial characteristics of THC and CBD.
CBC is the third most common cannabinoid and exhibits many of the same beneficial characteristics as THC and CBD, including anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting, and neuroprotective properties. It has also been shown to be effective in treating depression and migraines.
CBG, like the other cannabinoids discussed here, can help reduce pain and inflammation and slow cancer tumor growth. It also displays neuroprotective properties and can be an effective treatment for depression. In addition, CBG is particularly showing promise as a treatment for Overactive bladder, Psoriasis, and Glaucoma.
This non-psychoactive compound is being studied for treating epilepsy. Research suggests CBDV may stimulate the body’s cell receptors to use THC more easily. It may also increase the medicinal aspects of CBD. Like the other cannabinoids, CBDV has been shown to have both Anticonvulsant and Anti-Nausea properties.
CBN shares many of the same therapeutic benefits as the other cannabinoids we’ve discussed here, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It has also been shown to be a potentially effective treatment for chronic pain, cancer, glaucoma, and psoriasis.
Research on cannabinoids is racing forward at a frenzied speed and rapidly revealing new beneficial characteristics of cannabis.
But there’s so much more to the story…
While cannabinoid research continues, other cannabis compounds, specifically terpenes and flavonoids, are getting more attention. Scientists are giving these other compounds a closer look.
And what they’re finding is surprising…
What Are Terpenes?
Another Pharmacologically-active Compound
What Are Terpenes? Whiteboard Explainer Video for Cannabis, Hemp, CBD from Canna Insider
Terpenes are responsible for giving cannabis its scent and flavor. They are the aromatic essential oils found in cannabis (and all other plants) that enhance its effects and therapeutic benefits.
There are more than 20,000 known terpenes in nature, and about 100 that are known to exist in cannabis and hemp.
Plants use terpenes to protect against herbivores and attract pollinators. Cannabis has naturally high concentrations of terpenes.
But here’s the thing…
Terpenes do more than just give cannabis flavor and aroma. They are also the reason why each strain of cannabis has a unique feeling associated with it.
Consider this –
Two cannabis plants could have the exact same cannabinoid structures, but the terpene structure could be completely different – and that would result in two very different psychoactive experiences.
Why is this important?
Terpenes powerfully affect the way cannabis reacts with our endocannabinoid system, so understanding them and how they function is important.
Temperature, humidity, and light intensity all affect terpene production. This is one reason why strict growing and production standards for medical cannabis are enforced.
Most Common Terpenes and Their Effects
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis and how much is present determines whether the strain will be sativa or indica. According to a study by Steep Hill Labs, if the myrcene in a plant is greater than 0.5% myrcene, it will be an indica strain. Myrcene is also commonly found in mangoes, hops, and thyme. It is known for its antibiotic, analgesic and anti-mutagenic properties. Its scent is earthy, fruity, musky, or clove-like.
Limonene
Limonene is also an abundant terpene found in cannabis. Its therapeutic benefits include its ability to reduce stress and improve mood. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and early research has suggested that it plays a role in reducing the size of tumors. Also found in all citrus fruits, it’s not surprising that limonene is responsible for giving cannabis strains a lemon-scent.
Linalool
With sedative properties that promote relaxation, this terpene is also found in lavender, cinnamon, and coriander. Linalool has been successfully used to reduce and anxiety, ease stress, and provide symptomatic relief to patients suffering from depression, arthritis, seizures, and insomnia.
Further Reading: Treating Arthritis With CBD
Caryophyllene
This terpene is found in cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. It is the only terpene that binds directly to the CB2 cannabinoid receptors in our endocannabinoid system. It has analgesic and anti-anxiety properties. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an often-used ingredient in topical skin treatments. Early research finding it to be a very promising potential treatment for alcoholism, as studies with mice have shown that it reduces voluntary intake of alcohol.
Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene
These two terpenes are responsible for giving cannabis strains their pine-like scent. Alpha-pinene gives off the scent of pine needles and is the most abundant terpene found in nature – and of course, in pine trees. Beta-pinene gives off the scent of rosemary, dill, basil, or parsley. Pinene terpenes are powerful for treating asthma as a bronchodilator, which improves airflow to the lungs. It also has powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and can improve memory and alertness. It’s healing properties have been used by cultures around the world for thousands of years.
So, what’s the deal with flavonoids?
What Are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are not unique to cannabis, but they play an important role in determining the smell and flavor of different strains. They make up around 10% of the compounds in medical cannabis.
More than 6,000 flavonoids have been discovered in nature – and many in common foods. They are responsible for the non-green pigmentation in plants. They give vivid color to flowers, and are the reason blueberries are blue and red roses are red.
In nature, flavonoids work to attract pollinators and protect plants from diseases, pests, and fungi. They also filter out UV rays.
But the best part is…
They work synergistically with terpenes and cannabinoids to produce and enhance many therapeutic benefits for humans. All flavonoids have antioxidant properties and are an essential component of balanced nutrition.
Types of Flavonoids
The 6,000 different flavonoids have been organized by scientists into six different categories:
Anthoxanthins
These flavonoids are water-soluble and produce pigments that are white or yellow. Examples of anthoxanthins flavonoids include quercetin, galangin, and luteolin.
Flavanones
Believed to play a critical role in plant cell growth, this category of flavonoid is aromatic and colorless. It is commonly found in tomatoes, mint, and citrus. Some flavonoids in this category include naringin, butin, and hesperetin.
Flavanonols
Also colorless, flavanols play a vital role in inhibiting plant cell growth. Examples of this flavonoid include orientin, taxifolin, and aromadendrin.
Flavans
Flavans create bitter and acidic flavors in foods. They are most commonly found in the tannins of unripe fruits and vegetables, as well as wine, tea, and cocoa. Some of the flavonoids that belong to this group include catechins, theaflavin, thearubigin.
Anthocyanidins
This group of flavonoids is responsible for the vivid blue, red, and purple pigmentations found in common foods like radishes, sweet potatoes, berries, and even some tomato varieties. Examples of anthocyanin flavonoids include capensinidin, hirsutidin, and cyanidin.
And most Interestingly of all …
Cannaflavins
These flavonoids only exist in cannabis. There are just three of them – and they have really creative names: cannaflavin A, cannaflavin B, and cannaflavin C. The most well researched is cannaflavin A. Cannaflavins are believed to work in conjunction with other flavonoids to give distinctive aromas, tastes, and pigmentations to cannabis strains.
And just what benefits do these flavonoids produce?
Flavonoids Are Pharmacologically Active Compounds
The Many Health Benefits of Flavonoids
Scientists believe there are roughly 20 flavonoids present in cannabis, and many share the same therapeutic properties. Here’s a look at some of the most common flavonoids and their benefits:
Cannaflavin-A
Benefits: anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties
Cannaflavin-B and Cannaflavin-C
Benefits: anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties
Quercetin
Benefits: pain relief, reduce inflammation, cardioprotective properties, cancer-fighting properties, immunoprotective, eases skin irritation when used topically
Galangin
Benefits: anti‑oxidative, immunoprotective, cardioprotective properties, tumor-fighting properties
Luteolin
Benefits: anti-oxidative, tumor-fighting properties, anti-inflammatory properties
Naringin
Benefits: antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, helps lower cholesterol
Butin
Benefits: reduces oxidative stress-related cell dysfunction
Hesperetin
Benefits: improves blood vessel conditions, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Orientin
Benefits: antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective
Taxifolin
Benefits: supports cardiovascular health, improves cognitive function, immunoprotective
Aromadendrin
Benefits: anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting properties
Catechins
Benefits: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, helps lower cholesterol
Isovitexin
Benefits: antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic, and neuroprotective effects
Vitexin
Benefits: antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic, and neuroprotective effects
Generally speaking, research is showing promise that flavonoids are beneficial for treating hemorrhoids, boosting the immune system, reducing the risk of stroke, and fighting cancer.
Here’s where these cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are found –
The female cannabis plant produces trichomes that house cannabis compounds. The trichomes appear as small, hair-like protrusions from the leaves and flowers of the plant.
To produce the highest quality cannabis, trichomes must be kept intact during the growing, harvesting, and curing processes. Doing so results in cannabis with distinct flavors, color, and aroma.
And now I’ll share with you the most unexpected benefit cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids offer:
Their synergistic nature makes them beneficial for a wide range of treatments.
The synergy between cannabis compounds is known as the entourage effect and it’s creating quite a buzz. Studies have revealed cannabis compounds can have greater therapeutic capability when consumed together rather than separately.
The research is still in the early stages, but the indications are pointing to huge potential for the entourage effect to widen the expanse of using cannabis therapeutically.
Here’s the key takeaway:
Flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids are all pharmacologically active compounds found in cannabis.
Each plays an important role in the cannabis plant’s development – and has a full range of medicinal potential we are only now beginning to understand.
Consumed individually, these compounds each have significant therapeutic benefits. When consumed together, their beneficial capacity is synergistically enhanced.
Which means – you could see even greater therapeutic benefits when using products that contain a combination or full-spectrum of compounds rather than a single, isolated compound.
Smoking cannabis is the traditional way to consume all of these compounds together; however, with new ‘whole-plant’ extractions, you can skip the smoke and still get the benefits.
How?
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Get Your Dose of Cannabinoids, Flavonoids, and Terpenes
If you want to experience the benefits of the entourage effect, consider trying full-spectrum cannabis oil. Full spectrum oils contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. They also contain protein, fiber and a host of essential vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals.
They are available in a wide variety of preparations including tinctures, sprays, balms, salves, and capsules. The method of delivery, along with quality and potency, greatly affects absorption levels.
Curious About Where to Start?
Navigating the many full-spectrum CBD products on the market can be overwhelming. We can help. We’ve reviewed the top full-spectrum cannabis oils on the market and here’s what we’ve found.
