Flavonoids

Flavonoids have numerous functions in plants and act as important cell messengers. Various flavonoids are believed to provide healthful benefits and functions to humans such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antioxidant properties. They may also be cardio-protective, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-atherosclerotic.

Flavonoids include any of the class of polyphenolic molecules containing 15 carbon atoms that are naturally produced in plants and are soluble in water. Also included as “flavonoids” are natural or synthetic derivatives or analogs thereof that have biological activity. Flavonoids can generally be divided into 6 groups of structurally related compounds: chalcones, flavones, isoflavonoids, flavanones, anthoxanthins, and anthocyanins.  Flavonoids are found in most fruits and vegetables, particularly colorful ones. They are also prevalent in legumes (including soybeans), grains, green and black teas, as well as red wine. 

Flavonoids isolated from cannabis, such as cannaflavins A, B, and or C, are of interest in certain applications, as are vitexin, isovitexin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, orientin, and luteolin, as well as the catechins found in Cannabis.