עבריתWhat are Flavonoids and what is their functio
- Sunday, February 28 2021 at 17:06
- Snir Mutzafi
- Cannabis 101
- 5 minutes
Hundreds of active compounds have already been identified through the years in the cannabis plant, you've probably heard them all, the main ones being cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, and other compounds such as terpenes, etc. But what about the less known and discussed compounds, the so-called quiet "cousin" sitting in the corner at the main family dinner just taking his time eating his soup? Ladies and gentlemen - meet Flavonoids. Flavonoids are part of a large family called "phytonutrients" and are secondary metabolites found in different plants, they are one of 4 main groups (the other 3 being:
Flavonoids are classified into 12 subclasses (though only 6 are of dietary importance):
They can be found also in fruits, vegetables, and flowers - and not only in cannabis - those are called Cannflavins. Flavonoids (along with Terpenes) are responsible for the visual, flavor, and smelling aromas of the cannabis strain you consume and other plants containing them, their other benefits to the plant or flower:
20 or so different Flavonoids have already been identified in Cannabis. Admittedly, there is a substantial lack of research and studies being done regarding flavonoids (like other areas in the cannabis field) due to years of prohibition and illegal status. But research has been done ever since the '70s, what we do know, is that cannabis contains the following flavonoids and those flavonoids change, depending on the genetics, strain, and growing conditions of the plant:
A short example of the potential use in the medical field, the flavonoids Cannflavins A and B have been proven to hold anti-inflammatory qualities, 30 times more potent than ASPIRIN! This was first attributed to the cannabinoid THC, but later was proven otherwise.
I'll assume you're already familiar with the term if you got thus far, but if not, this phrase describes the way the multiple compounds of the cannabis plant act with a synergy that grants it a greater effect, an example of this will be the "balance" CBD provides when given with THC or the debate of full-spectrum CBD vs isolated. It is speculated that Flavonoids play their part in enhancing this synergy effect, but has yet to be clinically proven.
Flavonoids have demonstrated an ability to reduce high blood pressure in a 2015 review in both rodents and humans. Oxidative stress is contributed to the pathophysiology of hypertension (high blood pressure), making antioxidant activity naturally associated with its reduction. Flavonoids are responsible for most greens (veggies and fruit's antioxidant qualities).
2013 review of known literature supports the hypothesis that flavonoids have an anti-diabetic contribution in vitro and animal research. A meta-analysis from 2018 speculates that a high intake of flavonoids through diet has a certain correlation with lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, although more research is necessary. Though it's important to note the scarcity of human trials and the anti-diabetic effects flavonoids might offer, further human trials are required to assess the potential of flavonoids in this regard.
Consumption of flavonoid-rich food has been connected with lower total cholesterol levels and higher HDL ("good cholesterol") levels. A 24 year old, questioning thousands of men and women set to examine changes in weight over 4-year intervals between 1986 to 2011 concludes that increased consumption of flavonoids was associated with healthier weight changes over these years.
With all of the above can be considered evidence-based, it is no surprise that a 2002 dietary intake of more than 10k people concludes that people with higher quercetin intake (Flavonoid) had lower mortality rates from heart disease, cerebrovascular disease (brain) lower with Kaempferol (another Flavonoid), etc. (very interesting I must say, check it out)
Sadly the jury is still out on this guys.. Like many other aspects as you have noticed, but there some information does exist regarding cancer and flavonoids: Women in Greece who consume higher levels of Flavone (specific Flavanoid) were found to have an inverse relation to breast cancer risk - but not other Flavonoids. Relations of Flavonoids and the incidence of gastric cancer were examined in Spain, the study concludes and supports the theory that Flavonoids pose a protective effect against gastric cancer.
The anti-inflammation and antioxidant qualities of Flavonoids may aid in protection against Neurodegenerative illnesses such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Flavonoids MAY increase blood circulation to the brain resulting in better cognitive performance in a 10-year follow-up. As early as 2000 concludes that Flavonoids consumption is "inversely related to the risk of incident dementia".
How can Flavonoids take care of or protect your skin?
No side effects are backed by evidence of consuming Flavonoids from fruits and vegetables. BUT, getting your source of Flavonoids from supplements does have side effects, so the question is: Supplements or Natural? To supplement or not.. that is the question, allow me to help you there. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, flavonoids in supplement form can cause the following side effects:
Dosage is also an issue, it has yet to be clinically proven what exact levels of flavonoids are beneficial for humans, the risk of lack of FDA regulation is also a con to supplements you must consider. This is why you should go raw (so to speak). Concentrations of flavonoids based in the skins of vegetables and fruits are plenty available and add the extra attributes of vitamins, fibers, and minerals, but they should be consumed raw due to the risk of being destroyed by high heat in cooking.