Researchers find rare anti-inflammatory compounds in cannabis leaves

Researchers from Stellenbosch University have found the first evidence of rare phenolic compounds, known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties in Cannabis leaves.

The researchers say the discovery may pave the way towards the leaves of cannabis plants no longer being regarded as waste, in the commercial cannabis sector.

Professor André de Villiers, “In the cannabis industry the plant, the leaf, apart from the inflorescence of the bud, is essentially waste material. In South Africa they combust, burn it to get rid of it. Our results show the leaves contain a large number of bioactive molecules that are potentially very interesting. This could lead to the valorisation of what is currently a waste product to the industry. It would not only be very interesting to the industry from a medicinal perspective. Between now and then, there’s still a lot of work to be done. They’re also very physiologically active. A well-known example is caffeine, it is an alkaloid. Morphine is an alkaloid.”