// Definition
A newly discovered class of nitrogen-containing flavonoid compounds found in cannabis leaves, identified through two-dimensional liquid chromatography (HILIC x reverse-phase), representing rare secondary metabolites with potential antioxidant and alkaloid-type biological activity.
// From the Episode
Dr. Mark Scialdone presented a paper published the same week showing these compounds have a flavonoid core with a C-glycoside (carbon-bonded sugar) making them highly water-soluble, and a nitrogen-containing ring making them alkaloids. This is significant because cannabis produces very few nitrogenous secondary metabolites — a key reason cannabis smoke produces fewer carcinogenic nitroso compounds than tobacco. These compounds are likely responsible for the colored water seen during ice water hash extraction. Jeff Rosson noted the finding builds on cutting-edge LCLC chromatography methods.