What are flavonoids, terpenes and terpenoids?
The cannabis plant produces hundreds of fascinating phytochemicals. Although cannabinoids have received the most attention - and with good reason - the herb produces many other molecules that deserve our attention.
Along with more than 100 cannabinoids, cannabis synthesises over 200 terpenes and numerous terpenoids and flavonoids. Not only do these pharmacologically active compounds bring their own unique effects, but together with the cannabinoids they support the holistic effects of annabis full-spectrum extracts - a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Let's take a deeper dive into the nature of these chemicals. We'll explore the overarching role these molecules play in the cannabis plant, how they contribute to the herb's effects, and why they are so important.
What is the function of flavonoids, terpenes and terpenoids?
Flavonoids, terpenes and terpenoids are produced by cannabis plants as secondary metabolites. Although not essential for growth, development or reproduction, these classes of chemicals play an important role in defence and even communication.
Animals and plants have completely different defence mechanisms. Animals have the advantage of movement and therefore the ability to escape. Many species have sharp claws and teeth to ward off threats, and some even sting or emit foul-smelling gas. Stationary and toothless plants have developed a unique strategy to deter enemies: they wage chemical warfare.
Because of the limited resources available to them, plants must have a really good reason to spend so much time producing these chemicals. Simply put, these molecules help them survive. As you'll see below, all of these phytochemical categories play important roles, from deterring pests to protecting against intense UV rays.
Although cannabis has evolved to synthesise these molecules as an adaptation to certain conditions, humans have chosen to use them for other purposes. Some simply smell, while others have exciting pharmacological properties. We humans consider cannabis a valuable source of beneficial molecules. As we explore these phytochemicals further, we will look at exactly how they affect us.
Difference between flavonoids, terpenes and terpenoids
Flavonoids, terpenes and terpenoids make up most of the secondary metabolites produced by cannabis. Despite being concentrated under the same phytochemical umbrella, each plays a unique role, both in nature and in the human body. In the next sections, we will look at each chemical family and explore their unique properties.
Flavodnoids
After alkaloids, flavonoids are the second most abundant class of secondary metabolites in the plant kingdom. The major flavonoids belong to various subcategories, including flavonols and isoflavones. Some flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, serve as pigments that accentuate the bright colors shown in many fruits and vegetables. And cannabis.
In general, the more flavonoids an edible plant produces, the higher its economic value. This increased value results from the important role of these molecules in a healthy human diet.
Where are flavonoids found?
Flavonoids are present throughout the plant kingdom and are found in many tissues and organs. Foods particularly high in these compounds include kale, tea, various berries and grapes. In cannabis, they are found in high concentrations in leaves, branches, pollen and flowers.
How do flavonoids work?
Flavonoids play an important role in cannabis physiology. Many of these molecules have a yellow pigmentation which, when expressed in the petals and leaves, helps to attract pollinating insects. Flavonoids also help regulate cell cycles, fight fungal pathogens and mediate relationships between plant roots and beneficial fungi.
Flavonoids also play an important role in the human diet. Through their antioxidant activities, they help to counteract the constant barrage of damage caused to the human body by free radicals.
Why are flavonoids important?
In addition to their antioxidant and probable anti-inflammatory properties, flavonoids are thought to promote overall health. In particular, certain flavonoids are being investigated for their effect on mood and potential to improve memory. As far as cannabis is concerned, these are highly desirable properties for varieties and the question arises as to how important a role flavonoids play in the pharmacological effects of a given variety.
The herb produces several known flavonoids, including apigenin and quercetin, as well as some unique ones not found elsewhere. For example, cannflavin A resides in the aerial parts of the cannabis plant, particularly in the germ of the cannabis seed. As research in this area continues to develop, we will likely see the identification of other flavonoids and figure out exactly how they fit into the puzzle of full-spectrum extracts and the entourage effect.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic molecules that support the characteristic smell of cannabis. Each variety has a slightly different terpene profile and therefore each tastes different. This was thought to be their only role, but it turns out that terpenes do much more than just provide an attractive aroma. These molecules seem to affect the whole experience of cannabis use.
Where are terpenes to be found?
Terpenes are the dominant class of secondary metabolite found throughout nature. More than 40,000 of these aromatic molecules give rise to the world's wonderful scents, from pine forests to the aroma of your favorite fruit. Amazingly, the cannabis plant produces more than 200 terpenes of its own. These phytochemicals are found in the viscous resin that coats ripe cannabis flowers.
Trichomes, the small fungal glands that cover the surface of cannabis leaves and flowers, work hard during the flowering phase to churn out this sticky substance. These structures produce terpenes in specialised cells located between the top of the trichome stem and the bulbous head.
How do terpenes work?
Like flavonoids, cannabis produces terpenes that help it survive in the wild. If you've ever opened a bottle of essential oil and smelled it, you know how powerful terpenes are. Their intense scent and bitter taste act as a massive turn-off for hungry insects and herbivores, preventing them from eating the plants and increasing the likelihood of successful reproduction.
Terpenes also help cannabis plants defend themselves against the effects of climate. The herb increases production when outside temperatures are too high. Because terpenes are volatile molecules, they evaporate under these conditions, a reaction that stimulates airflow and cools the plant.
Terpenes have very different effects in humans. In addition to activating your taste buds, they actually work on the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Sure, THC plays a major role in them, but that alone doesn't explain why different varieties have vastly different effects.
All varieties with psychotropic effects contain THC, but each has its own unique terpene profile. Some terpenes, such as myrcene, work with THC to produce a stronger physical effect. In contrast, limonene works to promote a psychological and energizing effect. Scientists refer to this synergistic dance in cannabis as the entourage effect.
This phenomenon explains why full-spectrum cannabis extracts outperform isolated cannabinoid concentrates in certain circumstances. The use of a range of phytochemicals in each variety can lead to improved results when used holistically.
Why are terpenes important?
Advances in cannabis science have revealed the importance of terpenes in cannabis phytochemistry. These molecules not only enter the senses, but also define the character and effects of individual strains. In addition to the holistic effect of the accompaniment, a wealth of evidence also points to these chemicals having profound effects in isolation. The work of cannabis researcher Dr.Ethan Russo breaks down the effects of individual terpenes, from the relaxing effects of linalool to the mood-enhancing potential of pinene.
Terpenoids
Terpenoids belong to the class of terpenes and the two terms are often used interchangeably. While terpenes have a simpler molecular structure, terpenoids are more complex. Some terpenoids are found at higher levels in dried plants after a period of oxidation, while others are found in fresh plants. These molecules fall into two main categories: monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids.
Where are terpenoids found?
Like terpenes, many terpenoids are suspended in a thick resin produced in the heads of trichomes. They play a vital role in ensuring plant survival, helping to eliminate pest attacks and resist fluctuating environmental factors.
How do terpenoids work?
Terpenoids are pharmacologically active and show a wide range of potential in the scientific literature. For example, the sesquiterpenoid caryophyllene plays the role of both a terpenoid and a dietary cannabinoid. The molecule binds to the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system and exerts a calming effect on the body.
Why are terpenoids important?
Like terpenes, terpenoids play a crucial role in the effects of certain cannabis strains. They exert their unique effects through the entourage effect and add a whole new dimension of potential to the overall use of cannabis.
How can you reap the benefits of flavonoids, terpenes and terpenoids?
Based on early research, each of these phytochemical classes exhibits several impressive effects on its own. If you opt for full-spectrum cannabis products that contain all of these compounds, you may experience even more pronounced effects.
We've mentioned this before, but the entourage effect is a leading theory in cannabis science, and it brings about a synergistic effect between cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes and terpenoids. Although the molecular pathways of each compound and the significance of their combined effects have yet to be formally confirmed, a growing body of scientific literature supports the efficacy of full-spectrum cannabis over isolated cannabinoids.
This theory can also be applied to CBD oil and other non-psychotropic cannabinoid products.
Cannabis: a chemically complex herb
As you already know, cannabis contains much more than cannabinoids. The delicately scented flowers of this plant contain hundreds of unique chemicals that have their own distinctive effects.
Although science has gone to extremes in determining how they work in isolation, the power of the full-spectrum extract and the companion effect seem to warrant a "whole-person" approach to holistic cannabis use in the future. As research continues to progress in this regard, we will have greater certainty in the future about the benefits of all of the renowned cannabis compounds.