The Bombay Technologist

Potential Health Benefits of Flavonoids

Jay M. Patel

Keywords: Flavonoids, Free Radicals, Antioxidants, French Paradox, Review, Polyphenols.

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Abstract

Flavonoids occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and beverages such as tea and wine and over 4000 structurally unique flavonoids have been identified in plant sources. Plants and spices containing flavonoids have historically been used in traditional eastern medicine. Research in the field of flavonoids has increased since the discovery of the French paradox i.e. the low cardiovascular mortality rate observed in Mediterranean populations in association with red wine consumption and a high saturated fat intake. The aim of this review is to obtain a further understanding on the reported beneficial health effects of these substances and discuss the action of flavonoids as antioxidants. The major actions of flavonoids are those against cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, viruses, inflammation, osteoporosis, diarrhoea and arthritis. Brief description about the disease causing effect of free radicals is given and ways by which flavonoids neutralize free radicals has also been mentioned.