A new scientific literature review published in the journal Molecules explores the \u201ccollaborative interactions\u201d of various chemical compounds in marijuana\u2014including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids\u2014arguing that a better understanding of the components\u2019 combined effects \u201cis crucial for unraveling cannabis\u2019s complete therapeutic potential.\u201d<\/p>\n
The findings reinforce what many in the marijuana space have been saying for years: that it\u2019s not only THC and CBD that modulate a person\u2019s cannabis experience, but also the complicated interactions between cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other molecules in the plant\u2014a concept known as the \u201centourage effect.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn cannabis science, cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids have often been overlooked, with much of the literature focusing predominantly on the major cannabinoids THC and CBD,\u201d said the seven-author research team behind the new study. \u201cHowever, emerging evidence suggests that these constituents, particularly cannabinoids and terpenes, play a substantial role in interacting and collaborating. This interplay gives rise to the diverse effects, benefits, and side effects observed among different cannabis strains, which can vary in the ratios of these components.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new study, published last month, says that only by examining such nuanced interactions can researchers \u201cunlock cannabis\u2019s full therapeutic potential within the realm of natural plant-based medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paying closer attention to distinct ratios of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in specific cannabis strains or products, for example, \u201ccan pave the way for developing more personalized and productive medicinal interventions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cUnderstanding the intricate interplay between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids is paramount for realizing the full therapeutic benefits of cannabis.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Cannabinoids and terpenes, the researchers said, \u201cboth interact with the endocannabinoid system and exert various effects on the body, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that their effects are not solely attributed to their actions but are modulated by other compounds in the plant.\u201d<\/p>\n
For instance, terpenes \u201chave been shown to have pharmacological properties and can interact with neurotransmitter receptors, enzymes, and cell membranes, among other targets,\u201d the study says, but they can also \u201cinfluence the pharmocokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids, potentially enhancing or modulating their effects.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe concept of the entourage effect suggests that the combined action of cannabinoids and terpenes may result in a synergistic or additive therapeutic effect greater than the sum of their individual effects,\u201d it continues.<\/p>\n
And while research into another class of compounds, flavonoids, is relatively limited, authors noted that \u201cstudies have suggested their anti-inflammatory, antioxident, and neuroprotective properties.\u201d And some specific flavonoids, such as cannflavins, \u201chave shown potent anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in neuroinflammation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study<\/a> provides a better picture of the complex web of chemical interactions that might influence marijuana\u2019s effects on a person, but authors emphasized that \u201celucidating the synergistic effects and underlying mechanisms of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids demands a focused investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExploring these compounds\u2019 biosynthesis, bioactivities, and biotechnological applications is pivotal for harnessing their therapeutic potential and diversifying treatment options,\u201d they added, identifying a number of apparent gaps in research that warrant further study.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the paper acknowledges that research into the federally controlled substance remains a major challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cAddressing regulatory barriers obstructing cannabis research is imperative,\u201d it says. \u201cOvercoming these obstacles, stemming from the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance, is crucial to expanding access to cannabis products for research purposes. Furthermore, this would enable a more comprehensive exploration of the therapeutic and adverse effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, fostering informed decision making in public health initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA comprehensive exploration of the synergies between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, coupled with advancements in phytochemical research and the removal of regulatory barriers, holds the key to unlocking the full therapeutic potential of cannabis.\u201d<\/p>\n
While a recent review by the Department of Health and Human Services concluded that marijuana should be moved to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the department initially kept its reasoning secret, waiting months before publicly releasing a justification for the proposal<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Research has nevertheless ticked up amid the growing legalization movement. According to analysis by the advocacy group NORML, scientists have published more than 32,000 marijuana studies over the past decade<\/a>, with some recent years setting records for research<\/a>.<\/p>\n
While much of that research has focused on the effects of cannabis consumption, some studies have tried dig into the fundamental chemistry of cannabis. Just last year, for example, scientists discovered \u201cpreviously unidentified cannabis compounds\u201d called flavorants<\/a> that are responsible for the unique aromas of different varieties of marijuana. Previously, many thought terpenes alone were responsible for various smells produced by the plant.<\/p>\n
And since the end of the federal prohibition of hemp, research into the low-THC form of cannabis has also stepped up. Last year the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published guidance on how to identify, describe and evaluate different varieties of the plant as officials work to rebuild a government seed bank that was destroyed during prohibition<\/a>. The department also posted a video instructing hemp farmers on how to build and use a Ghostbusters-like backpack vacuum, which USDA says can collect up to 10 grams of cannabis pollen in less than a minute<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Last October, meanwhile, USDA approved a genetically modified form of hemp to be grown and bred in the country. The variant was genetically engineered to produce lower levels of the cannabinoids THC and cannabichromene (CBC).<\/p>\n
In terms of the entourage effect, a separate study last year found that cannabis products with a more diverse array of natural cannabinoids produced a stronger psychoactive experience in participants that lasted longer than the high generated by pure THC.<\/p>\n
A 2018 study, meanwhile, found that patients suffering from epilepsy experience better health outcomes\u2014with fewer adverse side effects\u2014when they use plant-based CBD extracts compared to \u201cpurified\u201d CBD products<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nResearchers Identify \u2018Previously Undiscovered Cannabis Compounds\u2019 That Give Marijuana Strains Their Unique Aromas<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
The post New Study Shows How Marijuana Compounds Like Cannabinoids, Terpenes And Flavonoids Interact For Medical Benefits<\/a> appeared first on Marijuana Moment<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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