What are Flavonoids?
We often speak to people who are well-versed in the benefits provided by CBD. However, many of these users are unfamiliar with “flavonoids” and their health benefits.
Flavonoids are a group of compounds that naturally occur in fruits, vegetables, grains, tea, and wine. These substances are widely recognised for their beneficial health benefits.
Flavonoids are responsible for the diverse range of colours we experience in all fruits and vegetables. They are the largest group of phytonutrients (natural compounds produced by plants), with more than 6,000 identified types.
The vibrant green of a parsley bunch, the enticing rouge of a summer strawberry or the translucent colour of a juicy grape. The vibrancy of fauna enriches our daily lives. In fact, studies show houseplants improve our daily mood, reducing anxiety and providing a calming presence.
What are the benefits of flavanoids?
In recent years, the scientific community has acquired a better understanding of the benefits offered by flavonoids. The Linus Pauling Institute has noted that flavonoids may exhibit anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting properties.
Flavonoids have powerful antioxidant properties. This means that they can fight the harmful effects of free radicals on your body; free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage our skin cell, causing illness and ageing. Flavonoids also possess anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, and some reports have indicated that they can increase antibody production, thus helping strengthen the immune system.
Whilst the role played by flavonoids in helping fight certain diseases is not certain, diets that are rich in foods that contain flavonoids tend to be associated with the prevention of cancer. The presence of flavonoids in fruit and vegetables partly explains why diets that follow the 5 a day rule are associated with preventing cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Flavonoids in CBD
The Cannabis Sativa L. plant (our favoured species) is no different to other plants. There are about 20 known flavonoids produced by the cannabis plant. These phytonutrients lend the dark green colour to cannabis.
Flavonoids play an important role alongside other plant matter and terpenes in inducing the “entourage effect.” This is the theory that all the compounds in cannabis work together, and when taken together, they produce a better effect than when taken alone.
Find out more about the entourage effect.
Meet the Flavonoids
While there are many flavonoids in Cannabis Sativa L., we want to introduce you to a few of the important ones.
Cannflavin
Ranging from Cannaflavin A through to Cannaflavin C, this range of Prenylflavonoids are abundant in cannabis. A & B were discovered in the 1980s and Cannaflavin C was only identified in 2008.
These compounds contribute to the dark green colour in the cannabis plant. There is ongoing scientific research to investigate whether they have anti-inflammatory properties.
Anthocyanin
This flavonoid is common in a range of plants. It is a pigment that exhibits red, purple and blue colourings. This may come as something of a surprise, given that it is a common flavonoid in cannabis. Contrary to popular belief, there are many cannabis strains that have deep purple flowers and leaves
Anthocyanins can be found in red onions, berries, grapes, pomegranates, tomatoes and elderberries, among others.
Apigenin
A typical dietary flavonoid that is common in fruits, vegetables and Chinese medicinal herbs. This compound has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Like other flavonoids, Apignen can be found in many fruits and vegetables.
Apignen is primarily found in parsley, celery and chamomile. It even lends the yellowish hue to the latter.
Quercetin
The unusually named quercetin is a bitter flavonoid whose name comes from the Latin name for oak forest. It is frequently used as a dietary supplement in its own right in the United States.
Frequently found in the cannabis sativa plant, Quercetin also features in bitter foods, such as watercress, rocket and capers.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are also often found in cannabis. However, relatively little is known about them.
The alluring fragrance of a citrus fruit, the calming scent of a pine tree, or the hot aroma of black pepper. Terpenes are the compounds responsible for all these smells, and much more.
A family of organic, aromatic compounds that are typically produced by plants, terpenes typically have strong, distinctive scents. These smells affect the behaviour of fauna that engage with the plant. Terpenes act to deter animals from eating the plant or attract insects necessary for pollination.
Which CBD Oil contains Flavonoids?
Not all CBD Oil contains flavonoids. In fact, you need to keep your eyes peeled for the right products. A Broad Spectrum extract is best placed to deliver the range of plant matter needed for the appearance of terpenes and flavonoids.
Made from Cannabis Sativa L. extract, Dragonfly’s Broad Spectrum Dragonfly CBD Oil retains the plant’s natural complexity. This CBD Oil harnesses the harmonising entourage of flavonoids and terpenes. Using a special double-distillation process, our Broad Spectrum Oil is THC-free, which is uncommon for many similar products. It has a rich, earthy flavour that makes it perfect for the experienced user’s palate.
Try our Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, and find out what our customers have to say by reading some Dragonfly CBD reviews.