There are over 100 different cannabinoids with CBD being one of them. A major area of debate within the CBD industry is whether a CBD isolate is most effective or a natural extract that combines various cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds.
CBD oil is often extracted from the plant and sold in an isolated form without other components of the plant. There are even synthetic forms of CBD which are manufactured and not extracted from a plant and often sold very cheaply compared to full-spectrum oils.
The amazing hemp plant
Hemp contains over 85 different cannabinoids CBD, CBG, CBN to name a few. The psychoactive component THC which is known for the high sensation it produces has also been identified to carry benefits but is illegal in the UK and all products must have 0%.
Nevertheless the other cannabinoids that are legal in the UK as part of a low THC hemp plant extract work together. Recent research shows that in fact taking the different components together such as with smaller organic compounds known as terpenes or terpenoids — is more effective than taking CBD alone.
Research by the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney found that in fact with certain cannabinoids molecules of an extract (full spectrum) delivered higher concentrations in the blood than singular molecules (isolate). That’s why we chose to use full-spectrum compared to an isolate.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a component found in fruits, vegetables, herbs and other plant life that give plants their pigmentation (colour), filter out UV rays, attract pollinators, and prevent plant diseases. There are 20 different flavonoids in hemp alone.
Phytonutrients like flavonoids have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects that can prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. They do so by protecting your cells from oxidative stress which can lead to disease.
Terpenes
While Flavonoids provide plants with their colour, Terpenes are responsible for providing plants with their scent and are believed to carry some medicinal value too. For example, linalool, a terpene also found in lavender, provides antianxiety effects. α-Pinene can be invigorating and lead to mental alertness (derived from rosemary).
Much less is known about how terpenes work together and in combination with cannabinoids but in the future research will show the benefits and shed some light on why people claim to prefer full spectrum over isolate for certain conditions.
What to look out for
Hemp is a very complex plant with many components that are yet to be fully understood. It’s an exciting time for the CBD industry as more and more research emerges and sheds light on this amazing plant that is now helping millions of people across the world.
Be sure to always opt for full-spectrum oils rather than isolates that are not synthetic such as Feminapause. Your Feminapause Team xx
