Cannabis Phenolics and their Bioactivities

Emerging research has identified nitrogen-containing metabolites in Cannabis as having neuroprotective, antitumor, and analgesic effects.

“emerging research has identified notable bioactive properties worthy of therapeutic consideration such as neuroprotective, antitumor, and analgesic effects, suggesting they warrant further investigation [12,13,14].”

Among Cannabis hydroxycinnamic acid amides are N-trans-coumaroyl-tyramine in roots, and N-trans-feruloyltyramine and N-trans-caffeoyltyramine in flowers, seeds, and roots.

“Among these are the hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs) N-trans-coumaroyl-tyramine in roots, and N-trans-feruloyltyramine and N-trans-caffeoyltyramine in flowers, seeds, and roots.”

Fifteen phenolic amides and lignanamides have been identified in Cannabis.

“Additionally, fifteen phenolic amides and lignanamides have been identified in Cannabis (Figure 1 and Figure 2).”

Other Cannabis metabolites include cannabisins A to G, cannabisins M, N and O, 3,3′-demethylheliotropamide, and grossamide, with cannabisins B and G present in roots.

“Other metabolites include cannabisins A to G, as well as cannabisins M, N and O, 3,3′-demethylheliotropamide, and grossamide, with cannabisins B and G present in the roots [12,14,29,30,41].”

Flavonoid concentrations decrease as the Cannabis plant grows.

“Flavonoid concentrations decrease as the plant grows [12].”

Cannabis seeds are thought not to contain prenylflavonoids, but germination induces production of cannflavin A and B in leaves of plants not yet producing cannabinoids.

“Cannabis seeds are thought not to contain prenylflavonoids, but germination induces the production of cannflavin A and B in leaves of plants that are not yet producing cannabinoids.”

To date, 38 stilbenes have been identified in Cannabis: 7 phenanthrenes, 15 dihydrostilbenes, and 16 spiroindans.

“To date, a total of thirty-eight stilbenes have been identified: seven phenanthrenes, fifteen dihydrostilbenes, and sixteen spiroindans [5,12,19].”

Cannabis flavonoids are found primarily in leaves and flowers, but have also been isolated from pollen and stem.

“Cannabis flavonoids are found primarily in the leaves and flowers, but have also been isolated and identified from the pollen and stem of the plant [12].”