{"id":131801,"date":"2023-06-01T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.growbarato.net\/blog\/?p=131801"},"modified":"2025-09-11T11:40:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T09:40:20","slug":"what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What are cannabis flavonoids and what do they do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Flavonoids<\/strong>&nbsp;are a group of&nbsp;<strong>secondary plant metabolites<\/strong>&nbsp;responsible for pigmentation, whose main power lies in their&nbsp;<strong>antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties<\/strong>. Found in plants, vegetables, and fruits, these phytonutrients are essential for the&nbsp;<strong>survival and development<\/strong>&nbsp;of these organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of polyphenol has become&nbsp;<strong>one of the most studied natural compounds in science<\/strong>&nbsp;in recent years, due to its biological properties against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a21cdb845ce2\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contenido<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a21cdb845ce2\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/#What_are_flavonoids\" >What are flavonoids?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/#What_is_the_structure_of_flavonoids\" >What is the structure of flavonoids?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/#Functions_of_flavonoids_in_plants\" >Functions of flavonoids in plants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/#Effects_and_benefits_of_flavonoids\" >Effects and benefits of flavonoids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/#Medicinal_properties_of_flavonoids\" >Medicinal properties of flavonoids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/#How_are_they_classified\" >How are they classified?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/#Role_of_flavonoids_in_cannabis_plants\" >Role of flavonoids in cannabis plants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/#A_fundamental_part_of_plant_development\" >A fundamental part of plant development<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_flavonoids\"><\/span>What are flavonoids?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Derived from the Latin word&nbsp;<em>flavus<\/em>&nbsp;(yellow), flavonoids are associated with&nbsp;<strong>UV protection<\/strong>, attracting pollinating insects, and light capture. They also regulate the cell cycle and defend plants against herbivores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first scientific observation was made in 1664 when English physicist, chemist, and philosopher Robert Boyle briefly described the effects of flower pigmentation. Nearly 300 years later, Nobel laureate in Physiology and Medicine Szent-Gy\u00f6rgyi identified the first flavonoid by isolating a substance called&nbsp;<strong>citrin<\/strong>&nbsp;from lemon peel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flavonoids are the most abundant subgroup of polyphenols in the plant kingdom, and research is divided into basic and applied studies. Applied research includes&nbsp;<strong>metabolic engineering<\/strong>&nbsp;of flavonoids, which allows manipulation of DNA to control biosynthesis. This has enabled innovations in flower coloration, improved nutritional potential of foods, suppression of pollen fertility, and increased pharmaceutical potential of plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_structure_of_flavonoids\"><\/span>What is the structure of flavonoids?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Flavonoids have a phenolic structure consisting of two benzene rings connected by a three-carbon chain, forming a C6-C3-C6 structure.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"156\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growbarato.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image.png\" alt=\"flavonoids\" class=\"wp-image-214493\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Different types of flavonoids are distinguished by the saturation and substituents of the C-ring, while individual compounds differ in the substitution of the A and B rings. In plants, flavonoids appear in free form or as glycosides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Functions_of_flavonoids_in_plants\"><\/span>Functions of flavonoids in plants<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Flavonoids perform various&nbsp;<strong>defensive, generative, and protective functions<\/strong>&nbsp;in plants and other organisms. The primary function is protection against ultraviolet light, as flavonoids accumulate in surface layers to absorb up to 90% of UV radiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also provide coloration in plants, vegetables, fruits, and other structures, act as herbivore protectors, and regulate auxin hormone transport. As highlighted in this article and in our post&nbsp;<em>What are polyphenols?<\/em>, the antioxidant function of flavonoids depends on their ability to scavenge free radicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_and_benefits_of_flavonoids\"><\/span>Effects and benefits of flavonoids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Historically used in traditional Chinese medicine for their antioxidant nature, flavonoids have&nbsp;<strong>anti-inflammatory properties that support the immune system<\/strong>. They can also regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and enhance cognitive performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In humans, they have been associated with inhibiting cancer cell growth, strengthening cardiac muscles, improving circulation, increasing capillary resilience, and preventing blood clots. They also protect the liver, stomach, and help reduce cholesterol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medicinal_properties_of_flavonoids\"><\/span>Medicinal properties of flavonoids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main medicinal properties are\u00a0<strong>antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective<\/strong>. Studies have highlighted the following benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Antioxidant\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/flavonoides-brocoli.jpg\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anti-inflammatory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anti-hemorrhagic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anti-allergic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antiviral<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antibacterial<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vasodilatory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hepatoprotective<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anti-platelet aggregation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anti-neoplastic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_are_they_classified\"><\/span>How are they classified?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As with most secondary metabolites, flavonoids can be classified in various ways. According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), classification is based on metabolic pathways and molecular structure. They are divided into&nbsp;<strong>flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and neoflavonoids<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within flavonoids, there are flavones, flavonols, flavandiols, chalcones, anthocyanins, condensed tannins, aurones, dihydroflavonols, and flavanones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Flavones<\/strong>: including tricetin, apigenin, and luteolin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flavonols<\/strong>: including quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flavandiols<\/strong>: including leucocyanidin, leucopelargonidin, and leucodelphinidin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chalcones<\/strong>: promote pollination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Anthocyanins<\/strong>: water-soluble pigments responsible for coloration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Condensed tannins<\/strong>: anthocyanidins found in tea plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aurones<\/strong>: responsible for pigmentation in various plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dihydroflavonols<\/strong>: including dihydromyricetin, dihydroquercetin, and dihydrokaempferol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flavanones<\/strong>: highly concentrated in citrus fruits like oranges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_of_flavonoids_in_cannabis_plants\"><\/span>Role of flavonoids in cannabis plants<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Different&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/224-cannabis-seeds\">cannabis seed strains<\/a>&nbsp;(available in our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/\">online Grow Shop<\/a>) contain a variety of flavonoids, alongside cannabinoids and terpenes. Flavonoids represent roughly&nbsp;<strong>10% of the plant\u2019s total compounds<\/strong>&nbsp;and can account for&nbsp;<strong>up to 2.5% of the dry weight in flowers and leaves<\/strong>. As antioxidants, they may inhibit P450 enzymes along with cannabidiol to help form tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The well-known \u201c<strong>entourage effect<\/strong>\u201d relies on the synergistic interaction of cannabis flavonoids with cannabinoids and terpenes, producing various therapeutic benefits for multiple diseases and chronic pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flavonoids are typically found in leaves and stems, as seeds and roots do not contain them. Cannabis contains&nbsp;<strong>23 unique types of flavonoids<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most important include cannaflavins A, B, and C, beta-sitosterol, quercetin, and apigenin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cannaflavins A, B, and C<\/strong>: A has effects stronger than aspirin, while B and C also have medicinal properties but are less studied.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beta-sitosterol<\/strong>: reduces cholesterol levels and prevents coronary diseases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quercetin<\/strong>: known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apigenin<\/strong>: offers anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vitexin and Isovitexin<\/strong>: inhibit arthritis and hypothyroidism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Orientin and luteolin<\/strong>: also found in tea plants; have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial properties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kaempferol<\/strong>: possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping prevent cancer and coronary diseases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.growbarato.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-214500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-1-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_fundamental_part_of_plant_development\"><\/span>A fundamental part of plant development<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For all the reasons explained above, it is necessary to <strong>highlight the amount of flavonoids present in cannabis<\/strong>. They are therefore a fundamental part of strengthening and ensuring the proper development and growth of these valuable plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other foods that contain different types of flavonoids include cocoa, oranges, parsley, wine, onions, apples, Brussels sprouts, and green tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clearly, further research and study is needed to gain a more accurate understanding of these natural compounds and their relationship with the positive effects they can have on different organisms. Even so, there is no doubt that these benefits have historically been exploited by humans and animals through the consumption of plants, vegetables, and fruits. For this reason, we should consider them a basic <strong>element in structuring our nutritional diet.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<div style='text-align:center' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flavonoids&nbsp;are a group of&nbsp;secondary plant metabolites&nbsp;responsible for pigmentation, whose main power lies in their&nbsp;antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Found in plants, vegetables, and fruits, these phytonutrients are essential for the&nbsp;survival and development&nbsp;of these organisms. This type of polyphenol has become&nbsp;one of the most studied natural compounds in science&nbsp;in recent years, due to its biological properties against\u2026 <span class=\"leermas\" onclick=\"window.location.href='https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-flavonoids-and-what-do-they-do\/'\">Continue reading<\/span ><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":214516,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"BlogPosting","footnotes":""},"categories":[256],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-131801","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marijuana-news"],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":8,"sum_votes":38},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131801","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=131801"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131801\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":214508,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131801\/revisions\/214508"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/214516"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131801"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131801"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gbthegreenbrand.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=131801"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}