Polyphenols, Beneficial Compounds in Cannabis
The legal case for Fidelis Ari, who used marijuana to cure his wife’s illness, attracted the attention of many parties. Is it true that cannabis can cure disease? In response to this, the researcher explained at length.
In a conversation via instant messaging with elevationsdispensary.com researchers from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Prof. Dr. M. Hanafi, said that there are several substances contained in cannabis leaves. This plant with the Latin name Cannabis sativa or C. Indica has various substances.
“I think many people already know the side effects of cannabis, one of which is that it makes people euphoric. But the effect on each individual can be different,” said Professor Hanafi, who is a researcher on natural and pharmaceutical ingredients at LIPI.
Hanafi explained, the positive compounds contained in cannabis are called polyphenols. These compounds function as antioxidants and can be active ingredients for health. While the negative substance is called Tetrahydrokarbinol or is called a hallucinogenic substance.
“Polyphenols in general function as antioxidants in capturing or neutralizing free radicals. They can also inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Polyphenols, also known as flavonoids or isoflavonoid compounds,” he explained.
Even though there are healthful compounds, in response to the case of cannabis extract used by Fidelis Ari to cure his wife’s Syringomyelia, Hanafi feels that further and in-depth research is needed.
“It is possible that these compounds play a role. But that needs to be proven again. Although in general, flavonoid compounds, such as those in green tea, can also be used to cure cancer,” he said.