don’t Toss Those Cannabis Leaves: Hidden Medicinal Potential Revealed
Researchers at Stellenbosch University in South Africa have uncovered a wealth of perhaps valuable compounds within cannabis leaves, challenging the current practice of discarding this plant material as waste. A recent study, published in the Journal of Chromatography A, details the identification of 79 phenolic compounds across three commercially grown cannabis strains, with 25 of these compounds newly reported for the species.
The research, led by Dr. Magriet Muller and Professor André de Villiers, focused on characterizing the complex phenolic profile of cannabis. Phenolic compounds, including well-known flavonoids, are prized in the pharmaceutical industry for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Notably, the team discovered evidence of flavoalkaloids – a rare class of phenolics - within the cannabis leaves. Sixteen compounds were tentatively identified as belonging to this group, with a concentration primarily found in the leaves of a single strain studied. This finding was made possible by advanced analytical techniques developed by Dr. Muller, combining two-dimensional liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. These methods allowed for the separation and identification of the relatively scarce flavoalkaloids amidst the more abundant flavonoids.
“we did not expect such high variation in phenolic profiles between only three strains, nor to detect so many compounds for the first time in the species,” stated Dr. Muller.Professor de Villiers emphasized the broader implications of the findings. “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 viewpoint.”
The study underscores that current cannabis research is heavily focused on cannabinoids and their psychoactive effects, leaving a notable gap in understanding the potential benefits locked within the plant’s other components – notably those found in the often-discarded leaves. This research suggests a compelling reason to reconsider the value of the entire cannabis plant, opening doors for future biomedical investigations and potentially unlocking new therapeutic applications.