A Stellenbosch University (SU) research team conducted a study that identified a rare class of phenolics found in cannabis. Phenolic compounds are commonly used in the pharmaceutical formulations, because they provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. The study published in Journal of Chromatography A included a list of 79 phenolic compounds extracted in three different cannabis strains.
This is the first study to detect rare compounds known as flavoalkaloids in the cannabis species. The research team observed significant variation in phenolic profiles between the three strains. Contour plots allowed the researchers to examine the unique flavonoid profiles among the strains. The use of two-dimensional liquid chromatography separated the rare flavoalkaloids from the more common flavonoids.
Since factors such as low concentration and structural diversity complicate data analysis of plant phenolics, the team was surprised to find extreme variations. As study author Dr. Magriet Muller explained, “Most plants contain highly complex mixtures of phenolic compounds, and while flavonoids occur widely in the plant kingdom, the flavoalkaloids are very rare in nature.” The team plans to examine a broader range of cannabis strains and plant tissues in upcoming research projects.
The researchers noted that the flavoalkaloids were mainly found in the leaves of only one of the three cannabis strains. This finding has practical implications for whole plant processing. According to main author Dr. Andre De Villiers, “Our analysis again highlights the medicinal potential of Cannabis plant material, currently regarded as waste. Cannabis exhibits a rich and unique non-cannabinoid phenolic profile, which could be relevant from a biomedical research perspective.” New findings on phenolics and whole plant use could inform emerging practices in cannabis plant breeding and processing for therapeutic and nutraceutical applications.
Sources: Eureka News Alert, Journal of Chromatography A