Flavonoids in CBD: No, It’s Not About The Flavor

As purveyors of full spectrum CBD oil, we’re often asked why full spectrum is different. People want to know what’s included in a full spectrum product and how those components contribute to what’s often referred to as the entourage effect.

The entourage effect is a term used to describe the way various naturally occurring compounds in hemp—such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—are believed to work together within the body. Rather than acting in isolation, these elements may interact in a way that produces a broader overall effect than any single compound on its own.

In the past, we’ve talked at length about cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC, as well as terpenes. But one group of compounds we haven’t explored much yet is flavonoids.

It’s time to change that.

What Are Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are phytonutrients—natural compounds found in plants.

If you’re unfamiliar with flavonoids, you might assume the name refers to flavor. That would make sense, but interestingly, flavonoids have nothing to do with taste. The word comes from the Latin flavus, meaning yellow.

Rather than flavor, flavonoids are largely responsible for the color of plants. Think of cannabis’ deep green hue, the bright yellow of a lemon, or the rich red of a strawberry. These colors are influenced by flavonoids.

In plants, flavonoids serve several important functions. They help filter ultraviolet light, assist with detoxification, and play a role in protecting plants from bacteria, parasites, and other environmental stressors.

Researchers have also taken interest in flavonoids for their potential role in supporting overall wellness.

Flavonoids in CBD

Flavonoids make up roughly 10% of the more than 200 naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant.

There are approximately 6,000 known flavonoids in nature, and cannabis contains around 20 of them. While we won’t cover all of them here, below are a few of the more commonly studied flavonoids found in hemp.

1. Cannaflavin Cannaflavins contribute to cannabis’ dark green color and are unique to the cannabis plant. Researchers have been studying their properties, particularly their potential role in inflammatory pathways. Some studies suggest cannaflavins may demonstrate notable activity when compared to other well-known plant compounds.
2. Anthocyanin Anthocyanins are responsible for purple, blue, and red pigments in plants. Research has explored their role in overall wellness and their potential relationship to cognitive and cellular health.
3. Luteolin Luteolin is a yellow flavonoid commonly found in green leafy vegetables. It has been widely studied for its antioxidant activity and for its role in various biological processes.
4. Kaempferol Kaempferol is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables. Research has examined its interaction with cellular processes and its potential protective properties at the cellular level.
5. Orientin Orientin is a flavonoid that has been studied for its antioxidant activity and its role in supporting the body’s response to environmental stressors.
6. Quercetin Quercetin is one of the most well-known flavonoids and is commonly found in fruits and vegetables. It’s frequently studied for its antioxidant properties and its interaction with immune and cardiovascular systems.

Flavonoids are abundant in hemp and are an important part of what makes full spectrum CBD oil unique. Along with cannabinoids and terpenes, they contribute to the complex profile of the plant—one of the reasons many people choose full spectrum products to experience hemp in its most complete form.