News: Scientists Find First Evidence of Rare Compounds in Cannabis Leaves.

Published 12:00 AM EST, Fri Aug 29, 2025

Researchers from Stellenbosch University have identified 79 phenolic compounds in three strains of cannabis grown commercially in South Africa, of which 25 were reported in the plant for the first time. Sixteen of these compounds were tentatively identified as ‘flavoalkaloids’, and were mainly found in the leaves of only one of the strains.

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South African scientists have discovered a rare class of phenolic compounds called ‘flavoalkaloids’ in the leaves of the cannabis plant. Researchers at Stellenbosch University identified a total of 79 phenolic compounds in three different cannabis strains, with 25 of these compounds being new to the plant. This discovery is significant because phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, are valued in the pharmaceutical industry for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties.

Sixteen of the newly identified compounds were tentatively classified as flavoalkaloids, a class of compounds that are very rare in nature. The researchers, led by Dr. Magriet Muller and Professor André de Villiers, used a sophisticated method of two-dimensional liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry to separate these rare compounds from the more common flavonoids. This advanced analytical technique allowed them to perform a detailed characterization of the phenolic compounds, highlighting the complexity of the cannabis plant, which contains over 750 known metabolites.

The findings, published in the Journal of Chromatography A, suggest that there is still much to learn about the cannabis plant beyond the well-researched mood-affecting cannabinoids. According to the researchers, this study highlights the significant medicinal potential of cannabis plant material, especially the leaves, which are often considered waste. The unique non-cannabinoid phenolic profile of the plant could open up new avenues for biomedical research. This breakthrough signals new opportunities in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and wellness markets, and a reminder that innovation will increasingly come from exploring cannabis beyond cannabinoids. At Alphatype, we’re excited by research that opens new pathways for genetic development, product differentiation, and value creation across the supply chain.

Source: Cannabis Health News