What the Research Actually Says
Cannabis chemistry is far richer than THC and CBD. Two important — but often misunderstood — classes of compounds in the plant are terpenes (aromatic volatile oils) and flavonoids (a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds, including cannabis-specific “cannflavins”). Both contribute to aroma, color and potentially to the plant’s biological effects. Below is a concise, evidence-based primer you can use as a blog post: what they are, what the science shows so far, and practical takeaways for readers. (All claims below cite peer-reviewed reviews and primary studies.)
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are volatile organic compounds that give cannabis (and many other plants) their characteristic smells — think citrusy limonene, piney α-pinene, floral linalool, or musky myrcene. Beyond aroma, terpenes have been studied for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective activities in preclinical models. Reviews of cannabis terpenes summarize decades of animal and lab studies indicating terpenes may modulate inflammation and pain pathways and possibly interact with cannabinoid receptors or other neural targets. That said, most terpene research remains preclinical, and high concentrations (often higher than typical in consumer products) are usually required to see clear biological effects.
What are flavonoids (and cannflavins)?
Flavonoids are a large family of plant polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables — and cannabis. Cannabis contains more than 30 flavonoids, including a unique group called cannflavins (A, B, and others). Cannflavins were first identified decades ago and have attracted attention because they show potent anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, reportedly stronger (on a per-weight basis) than aspirin in some early models. Recent biochemical and biosynthesis studies have mapped how cannflavins are made in the plant and reinforced their anti-inflammatory and possible neuroprotective potential in lab experiments. But again — these findings are mostly in cells or animals; human clinical data are limited.
What We Can Reasonably Say Today
- Anti-inflammatory potential: Cannflavins A and B show anti-inflammatory effects in cell and animal models, sometimes reported as markedly potent compared with common non-steroidal agents in isolated assays. ScienceDirect+1
- Analgesia and pain modulation: Several terpenes (e.g., myrcene, linalool, limonene, β-caryophyllene) demonstrate analgesic or modulatory effects in preclinical pain models; comprehensive reviews link terpene activity to potential pain-management roles, though clinical translation is incomplete. Pharmaceutical Research Reviews+1
- Neuroprotective signals: Emerging studies suggest some cannflavins may protect neurons or reduce pathological protein aggregation in model systems — promising for neurodegenerative research but not yet a basis for clinical recommendations. ScienceDirect
The “entourage effect”: evidence and limits
The “entourage effect” hypothesis proposes that cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids work together to shape cannabis’ overall effects. Some lab studies support interactions (for example, terpenes can modulate receptor activity or influence absorption), but robust clinical evidence of meaningful synergistic benefits in humans is limited. Most positive claims about entourage benefits rely on preclinical or anecdotal data; carefully controlled human trials are still needed.
Practical takeaways for readers
Terpenes and flavonoids are real contributors to cannabis’ sensory and potential biological profile — not just “smell.” PMC
Most evidence is preclinical. Promising lab and animal results do not equal proven human therapies. Use cautious language (e.g., “preliminary evidence” or “under investigation”) when discussing health claims. PMC+1
Product quality varies. Recommend third-party tested products and transparent COAs (certificates of analysis) if discussing extracts or supplements. PMC
Research is active. New biosynthetic and pharmacological studies (including studies mapping cannflavin biosynthesis and terpene bioactivity) are expanding our understanding — watch the peer-reviewed literature for human trials. ScienceDirect+1
- Flavonoids & Terpenes in Cannabis – November 20, 2025
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