🌿 Don’t Toss Those Leaves: New Research Reveals Rare Bioactive Compounds in Cannabis
What if the most overlooked part of the cannabis plant — the leaves — held untapped biochemical treasure? A new study from Stellenbosch University has uncovered compelling evidence that cannabis leaves contain rare and previously unreported compounds with potential biomedical value, challenging the way growers and researchers view plant biomass and waste.
🧪 First Evidence of Flavoalkaloids in Cannabis
Until now, much of cannabis research has centered on cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This new work expands the chemical horizon beyond cannabinoids into the diverse world of phenolic compounds, a class of plant molecules known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer properties.
In a recently published paper in Journal of Chromatography A, analytical chemists used advanced two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry to profile the phenolic makeup of cannabis leaves grown commercially in South Africa. Their results were surprising:
- 79 distinct phenolic compounds were identified across three cannabis strains.
- 25 compounds had never before been reported in cannabis.
- Among these, 16 were tentatively classified as flavoalkaloids — a class of phenolics extremely rare in the plant kingdom. ScienceDaily
These flavoalkaloids were not evenly distributed. One strain showed a much higher concentration, indicating strain-level biochemical diversity that goes far beyond what cannabinoids alone reveal. ScienceDaily
🧬 Meet the Scientists Behind the Discovery
The study was led by Dr. Magriet Muller, an analytical chemist at the Central Analytical Facility (CAF) of Stellenbosch University, with Prof. André de Villiers heading the laboratory where the work was conducted.
- Dr. Muller developed the novel analytical methods used to tease apart this complex mixture of phenolics. The challenge is significant — these compounds occur in very low concentrations and have extreme structural diversity. The tools applied here were originally validated on other botanicals like rooibos tea, grapes, and wine before being applied to cannabis. ScienceDaily
- Prof. de Villiers noted that two-dimensional chromatography was critical in separating overlapping chemical signals, making the rare flavoalkaloids detectable at all. ScienceDaily
📈 Why This Matters to Growers & Scientists
Cannabis isn’t just about cannabinoids. This discovery shines a spotlight on the broader metabolome — particularly the phenolic network — that could have implications for:
🔬 Biomedical Research
Phenolic compounds are already prized in pharmacology for roles in:
- antioxidant activity,
- inflammation modulation,
- possible anti-cancer effects.
Rare classes like flavoalkaloids — virtually undocumented in cannabis until now — open new avenues for drug discovery and functional nutraceuticals. ScienceDaily
♻️ Biomass Utilization
Growers historically treat fan leaves and trim waste as low-value biomass. This research suggests that, chemically, leaves are a complex reservoir of bioactive molecules that could be worth extracting and studying rather than discarding. ScienceDaily
🧬 Strain Selection & Breeding
The fact that flavoalkaloids were mostly confined to one strain highlights the potential for:
- selective breeding,
- tailored cultivation strategies,
- biochemical phenotyping beyond cannabinoids and terpenes.
This could reshape how breeders develop varieties not just for potency or aroma, but for specific minor bioactive profiles. ScienceDaily
📘 The Scientific Reference
For readers who want to dive into the original work:
Muller, M. & de Villiers, A. (2025). Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatographic analysis of Cannabis phenolics and first evidence of flavoalkaloids in Cannabis. Journal of Chromatography A, 1751: 466023. DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2025.466023 ScienceDaily
🔍 Bottom Line — Think Beyond Flowers As Medicine
This study is more than a minor addendum to cannabis biochemistry — it’s a proof of concept that overlooked plant parts like leaves harbor rare compounds that science hasn’t yet fully explored. For CHA members, this research underscores a strategic opportunity:
➡️ Reevaluate biomass,
➡️ Expand biochemical profiling in breeding programs,
➡️ Connect with biochemical researchers,
➡️ Look at cannabis through a broader phytochemical lens.
The next phase of cannabis research isn’t just about “more THC” — it’s about deeper complexity and broader value.