Flavonoids: a review of probable mechanisms of action and potential applications

Abstract

The aim of this review, a summary of the putative biological actions of flavonoids, was to obtain a further understanding of the reported beneficial health effects of these substances. Flavonoids occur naturally in fruit, vegetables, and beverages such as tea and wine. Research in the field of flavonoids has increased since the discovery of the French paradox,ie, the low cardiovascular mortality rate observed in Mediterranean populations in association with red wine consumption and a high saturated fat intake. Several other potential beneficial properties of flavonoids have since been ascertained. We review the different groups of known flavonoids, the probable mechanisms by which they act, and the potential clinical applications of these fascinating natural substances.

Antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory activity of natural plant flavonoids and their synthesized derivatives

“…[15] These free radicals or ROS may be significantly involved in numerous pathological and physiological processes, including inflammation, tissue damage, apoptosis, cell death, cancer, atherosclerosis, and aging. [16,17] The naturally occurring phytochemicals including various flavonoids and their derivatives occurred in a great variety of fruits, vegetables, and plants had to be with promising and potent inhibitory effects against urease and XO. [18,19] Thus, the design and synthesis of new effective flavonoid derivatives are an interesting strategy for the research on bioactive drugs.…”

Assessment of a natural dietary extract, titrated in phenylpropanoid glycosides, on blood parameters and plasma oxidative status in intensively reared Italian hares (Lepus corsicanus)

“…Some of these substances inhibit chain reactions that lead to the formation of additional radicals, thus preventing the propagation of cellular damage. Other substances -E-mail: casamassima.d@unimol.it scavenge free radicals and in turn become oxidised and require regeneration to regain their function (Halliwell, 1997;Nijveldt et al, 2001). Verbascoside, a phenylpropanoid glycoside (PPG), is one of many plant extracts with demonstrated antioxidant properties.…”

Absorption of kaempferol from endive, a source of kaempferol-3-glucuronide, in humans

“…Flavonoids are potent antioxidants in vitro and may function as such in vivo (Rice-Evans, 2001). They are also able to alter gene expression (eg induce expression of phase-II detoxification enzymes, or reduce expression of phase-I carcinogen-activating enzymes), inhibit the activity of radical generating enzymes (eg cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase), chelate iron, induce apoptosis, inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, inhibit nitric oxide synthesis and reduce inflammation (see Birt et al, 2001;Nijveldt et al, 2001;Yang et al, 2001).…”