Flavonoids
Flavonoids are another "class" of active ingredients in The Amazing Flower, along with Cannabinoids and Terpenes. Flavonoids are compunds that occur throughout nature, and have been shown to have positive medical benefits. They are not usually tested for, but they are starting to show up in some COAs (Certificates of Analysis) of flower.
From the test results we have seen, they typically make up less than 1% of the weight of cannabis and hemp flower. Most of the Flavonoids in cannabis and hemp are found in other plants - mostly fruits, vegetables, and flowers, but there are a few that are unique to cannabis and hemp. One cannabis Flavonoid was recently shown to increase the survival rate of animals with pancreatic cancer.
Our goal is to always try to simplify and summarize known information, or common knowledge, so everyone has easy access to the best knowledge available about active ingredients.
It seems the main purpose of Flavonoids is to give color to plants, especially their flowers, to help attract pollinators and filter light. They are mostly responsible for colors in plants and animals, including cannabis and hemp.
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The most commonly found flavonoids in cannabis & hemp are the anthoxanthins listed below that contribute mostly a yellow coloration. But another class, the anthocyanins, are also found in some cultivars, and they contribute to any red, purple, and blue coloration. Anthocyanins are highly volatile and vary depending on the pH level and temperature. Acidic environments usually produce a red or pink color. A neutral pH level usually produces purple color, and alkaline environments produce a bluish color.
There are a lot of outstanding, detailed, and much more scientific articles and blog posts about the flavonoids in cannabis, and we encourage everyone to learn as much as they can. What we present here is meant to be a quick-reference summary of some important knowledge for patients and consumers - knowledge that they can access quickly and easily, any time they need or want it.
Below are most of the major Flavonoids frequently found in cannabis and hemp, along with their general properties and characteristics. We have, in good faith, curated the best information from multiple sources, but research is very limited and there are some disagreements. Use this as a starting point for your own exploration. If you see an error or omission, please let us know!
Please note the very high boiling point of most of these flavonoids. As with our Terpene List, those in blue text are considered to have some sedative or calming effects.
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Apigenin
Also found in parsley, onions, and oranges.
Boiling Point: 352ºF
Reported Benefits: anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neurological relief or protectant, sedative
Only found in cannabis and hemp.
Boiling Point: 1215ºF, 657ºC
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: analgesic (pain reduction), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, neurological relief or protectant
Cannflavin B
Only found in cannabis and hemp.
Boiling Point: 1126ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: analgesic (pain reduction), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, neurological relief or protectant
Only found in cannabis and hemp.
Boiling Point: 360ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: analgesic (pain reduction), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, neurological relief or protectant
CatechinAlso found in camomile, black grapes, and tea leaves.
Boiling Point: 1167ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, hypertension relief or aid
Isovitexin
Also found in cocoa, passion flower, and bamboo.
Boiling Point: 1465ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neurological relief or protectant
KaempferolAlso found in apples, broccoli, and grapefruit.
Boiling Point: 658ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: antidepressant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor
LuteolinAlso found in celery, pepper, and thyme.
Boiling Point: 1141ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, hypertension relief or aid
OrientinAlso found in acai palm, bamboo leaves, and Indian basil.
Boiling Point: 1501ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: analgesic (pain reduction), antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, neurological relief or protectant
Quercitin
Also found in onions, apples, grapes, berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, & many other fruits and vegetables.
Boiling Point: 482ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: analgesic (pain reduction), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, neurological relief or protectant
RutinAlso found in buckwheat, citrus peels, and the pagoda-tree.
Boiling Point: 1802ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: analgesic (pain reduction), anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, hypertension relief, anti-tumor
SilymarinAlso found in milk thistle, holy thistle, and variegated artichoke.
Boiling Point: 1460ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor
Also found in hawthorne, wheat germ, and rice bran.
Boiling Point: 1413ºF
Primary Color Contribution: Yellow
Reported Benefits: analgesic (pain reduction), anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neurological relief or protectant