The Benefits of Cannabis Flavonoids

As the green rush has swept the country, a lot of attention has been given to cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN. The terpene profiles of cannabis products are commonly described. But the importance of flavonoids is often overlooked.

Not any more! Our midose. products are designed to ensure every component works synergistically to provide you with a full array of holistic benefits.

So, it’s about time we give some love to flavonoids. We’re breaking down what flavonoids are and how they benefit our bodies.

Team “Entourage Effect”

The phrase “entourage effect” gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? …And why is it so important? The entourage effect is the synergetic impact of cannabis cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids on our bodies. To get the full picture, let’s do a recap of the main team players when it comes to the cannabis plant.

First up we have cannabinoids.

The most infamous cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. You’ve also probably heard of Cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD. These cannabinoids, along with their friends CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol), interact with your Endocannabinoid System to help relieve anxiety, ease pain, reduce inflammation, and boost our mood by increasing levels of Anadaminde - the “bliss” molecule.

Next up are the over 100 different kinds of terpenes found in cannabis.

Terpenes are natural compounds found in plants that impact their smell and taste. Ever wonder why some cannabis strains have a hint of citrus? It’s because of the terpene limonene, which is also found in the skin of citrus fruits. Terpenes also provide medicinal properties of their own, like helping you to relax and de-stress, and boosting your immune system.

And last (but not least) is the star of the hour: flavonoids.

There are six different subclasses of flavonoids. But for our purposes, we’ll be focused on dietary flavonoid compounds that are found in fruits, veggies, chocolate, wine, and yes, cannabis. Flavonoids provide the color pigmentation and impact how our brains process the taste and smell of fruits, veggies, and you guessed it…cannabis. The beautiful purple tones in cannabis leaves? That’s the flavonoids working. Specifically, the flavonoids anthoxanthins and anthocyanins. Flavonoids also help to protect plants against harmful UV rays, diseases, and certain pests.

While THC and CBD may be the Paul and John of the group, the experience wouldn’t be the same without George and Ringo - or in this case: terpenes and flavonoids. If you followed that terrible music metaphor, congratulations. If not, I apologize. The point is this: you need the synergetic magic of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids to get the full benefits of the cannabis plant.

What About Cannabis Flavonoids?

Back in 1986 at the University of London, researcher Mary Barett identified the first known cannabis flavonoids. Since then, around 20 different varieties of cannabis flavonoids have been discovered - making up around 10% of the cannabis plant. Flavonoids that are only found in cannabis are called cannflavins. These cannflavins are not psychoactive but they do synergistically contribute to the overall entourage effect of cannabis.

Cool...but how do flavonoids affect you? Good question. Cannflavins are packed with an array of their own holistic benefits. While research on cannflavins has been stunted due to cannabis laws, the research we do have show that cannflavins have antioxidant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and disease-fighting properties. How? Cannflavins are able to influence different cell-signaling cascades. Say what now? Basically, all flavonoids can impact a number of chemical reactions within your body.

Pretty cool, right? Let’s take a closer look at the therapeutic properties of Cannflavins…

Cannflavin A and Cannflavin B

The most studied cannflavins are cannflavin A and cannflavin B - both of which offer similar benefits, especially when it comes to helping to reduce inflammation. These cannflavins work to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Reducing PGE2 is the main way painkillers like NSAIDs (ibuprofen) work to reduce inflammation. Studies have found that at a certain amount, cannflavin A may even have up to 30 times more potent anti-inflammatory powers than Asprin.

Cannflavins have also been shown to help boost your antioxidant levels. Why is this important?

**A quick science lesson:**

**A quick science lesson:** Antioxidants are special because of their ability to donate a free electron to unstable oxygen molecules - otherwise known as free radicals. Because free radicals have an uneven number of electrons, they steal electrons from other molecules, which causes damage to other cells and DNA. Antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals and help protect your body from oxidative stress, which over time contributes to developing diabetes, inflammatory disorders, heart disease, and cancer. Free radicals speed up signs of aging - like graying hair, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity.

Want More Flavonoids?

Many flavonoids are found in the foods you eat every day. So, if you’re looking for more ways to pack your diet full of natural flavonoids, look to your favorite fruits and vegetables to reduce free radicals, lower oxidative stress, and reduce inflammation in your body. Here are a few of our favorites…

Quercetin - helps to fight inflammation, boost immunity and combat some allergies. Quercetin is found in many fruits and vegetables, like berries, apples, kale, and green tea.

Apigenin - is known for having muscle-relaxing and calming properties, and has also been shown to help with anxiety and depression. Apigenin is an active antioxidant that can be found in things like chamomile, basil, mint, and onions. This flavonoid has also been shown to help with anxiety and depression.

Kaempferol - found in vegetables like green beans, cucumbers, and broccoli, kaempferol has the same anti-inflammatory and free-radical fighting properties but stands out for its potential ability to help fight estrogen-related cancers - like breast cancer.

Everything You Need to Know About Flavoinids & Why We Love Them.