Dietary Flavonoids: Molecular Mechanisms of Action as Anti- Inflammatory Agents

Abstract

Flavonoids are a large group of polyphenolic compounds, which are ubiquitously expressed in plants. They are grouped according to their chemical structure and function into flavonols, flavones, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins, flavanones and isoflavones. Many of flavonoids are found in fruits, vegetables and beverages. Flavonoids have been demonstrated to have advantageous effects on human health because their anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant behavior. This report reviews the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of action of flavonoids as anti-inflammatory agents and also discusses the relevant patents.

3,6-Dihydroxyflavone Suppresses Breast Carcinogenesis by Epigenetically Regulating miR-34a and miR-21

“…Flavonoids can be categorized into six major subclasses based on their range and structural complexity: flavonols, flavones, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavones. Flavonols mainly exist in onions, broccoli, tea, and various common fruits; flavones are common in aromatic herbs, celery, and chamomile tea; flavan-3-ols are present in cocoa, red wine, grapes, apples, green tea, and other fruits; flavanones can be found in oranges and other citrus fruits; anthocyanidines are abundant in colored berries, black currants; and isoflavones are found in soy food (22,23). In fact, our previous study revealed that flavonols and flavones, but not the total flavonoids, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, or anthocyanins, reduce breast cancer risk (24).…”

The role of dietary polyphenols in the moderation of the inflammatory response in early stage colorectal cancer

“…An inverse association between levels of physical activity and the risk of colon cancer has been one of the most consistently observed (Colbert et al, 2001, Colditz et al, 1997) with a recent meta-analysis demonstrating that physically active individuals had a 20-30% lower risk of colon cancer compared to less active individuals (Wolin et al, 2009). The mechanisms by which physical activity reduces the risk of CRC are not yet fully understood, however, it may be in part due to a reduction in systemic inflammation which is largely mediated through the inhibition of COX-2 (Chan and Giovannucci, 2010 (Marzocchella et al, 2011).…”

Exercise and oxidative stress: Potential effects of antioxidant dietary strategies in sports

“…In particular, the flavonoids are polyphenol which structure consisting of 2 aromatic rings bound together by 3 carbon atoms that form an oxygenated heterocycle, which give colors to vegetables, fruits, grains, leaves, flowers. Their effects included the reduction of the activities of the arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes (phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase), inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1b, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α), modulation of NO synthase pro-inflammatory gene expression, and beneficial immunomodulatory effects [27].…”