Phenolic Compounds in Cannabis: New Discoveries and Future Prospects
Phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, are well-known and sought-after chemical elements in the pharmaceutical industry due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. In a recent study conducted in South Africa, 79 phenolic compounds were identified in three cannabis strains, including 25 compounds reported for the first time in this plant.
New Discoveries in Cannabis
The study, published in the ‘Journal of Chromatography A,’ revealed that some of the discovered compounds are known as flavonoalkaloids, which are rare in nature. These compounds were mainly found in the leaves of only one strain, reflecting the significant chemical diversity in cannabis.
The results of this study show that there are many chemical secrets yet to be discovered in the cannabis plant, known for its complex chemical composition containing more than 750 compounds.
Challenges in Analyzing Phenolic Compounds
Dr. Margret Muller, an analytical chemist at the LC-MS Laboratory at Stellenbosch University and the lead researcher of the paper, explains that analyzing phenolic compounds in plants is a major challenge due to their low concentrations and wide structural diversity.
Muller adds that plants generally contain a complex mixture of phenolic compounds, while flavonoalkaloids are rare in nature, making their discovery in cannabis an exciting event.
Using Modern Analytical Techniques
During her graduate studies, Muller developed powerful analytical techniques combining two-dimensional liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry to characterize phenolic compounds in detail. These techniques have proven their ability to efficiently separate flavonoalkaloids from more common flavonoids.
Muller states, “We were looking for a new application for the methods I developed, and after their success in testing red tea, grapes, and wine, I decided to apply them to cannabis due to its complexity and poorly documented phenolic compounds.”
Future Prospects for Cannabis Research
Professor André de Villiers, the study supervisor, points out that there is much to explore in the field of cannabis research, especially since most previous studies have focused on the mood-altering properties of its compounds.
De Villiers explains that this study highlights the medical potential of cannabis plant materials, which are currently considered waste, as cannabis has a rich and unique non-cannabinoid phenolic profile that could be of significant importance from a biomedical research perspective.
Conclusion
This study highlights new and exciting discoveries in the world of plant chemistry, representing a significant step towards a deeper understanding of the chemical composition of the cannabis plant. As research continues, these findings could open new horizons in medicine and the life sciences, enhancing the importance of studying phenolic compounds and discovering new applications for them in the future.