HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Purchase Article View Shopping Cart Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Nijveldt, R. J Articles by van Leeuwen, P. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Nijveldt, R. J Articles by van Leeuwen, P. A. Agricola Articles by Nijveldt, R. J Articles by van Leeuwen, P. A.

Flavonoids: a review of probable mechanisms of action and potential applications^1,2,3

¹ From the Department of Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, and Numico Research, Wageningen, Netherlands.

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 inMediterranean populations in association with red wine consumptionand a high saturated fat intake. Several other potentialbeneficial properties of flavonoids have since been ascertained.We review the different groups of known flavonoids, the probablemechanisms by which they act, and the potential clinicalapplications of these fascinating natural substances.

Key Words: Flavonoids • bioflavonoids • antioxidants • French paradox • review • polyphenols

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Rohrmann, S. Hermann, and J. Linseisen Heterocyclic aromatic amine intake increases colorectal adenoma risk: findings from a prospective European cohort study Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, May 1, 2009; 89(5): 1418 - 1424. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Chang, J. Luo, and G. He Regulation of polyphenols accumulation by combined overexpression/silencing key enzymes of phyenylpropanoid pathway Acta Biochim Biophys Sin, February 1, 2009; 41(2): 123 - 130. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. D. Siegelin, D. E. Reuss, A. Habel, C. Herold-Mende, and A. von Deimling The flavonoid kaempferol sensitizes human glioma cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis by proteasomal degradation of survivin Mol. Cancer Ther., November 1, 2008; 7(11): 3566 - 3574. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. Gresele, P. Pignatelli, G. Guglielmini, R. Carnevale, A. M. Mezzasoma, A. Ghiselli, S. Momi, and F. Violi Resveratrol, at Concentrations Attainable with Moderate Wine Consumption, Stimulates Human Platelet Nitric Oxide Production J. Nutr., September 1, 2008; 138(9): 1602 - 1608. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. G. Yamazaki, D. Romero-Perez, M. Barraza-Hidalgo, M. Cruz, M. Rivas, B. Cortez-Gomez, G. Ceballos, and F. Villarreal Short- and long-term effects of (-)-epicatechin on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, August 1, 2008; 295(2): H761 - H767. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M.I. Genovese, M. Da Silva Pinto, A.E. De Souza Schmidt Goncalves, and F.M. Lajolo Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Exotic Fruits and Commercial Frozen Pulps from Brazil Food Science and Technology International, June 1, 2008; 14(3): 207 - 214. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M.-C. Toufektsian, M. de Lorgeril, N. Nagy, P. Salen, M. B. Donati, L. Giordano, H.-P. Mock, S. Peterek, A. Matros, K. Petroni, et al. Chronic Dietary Intake of Plant-Derived Anthocyanins Protects the Rat Heart against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury J. Nutr., April 1, 2008; 138(4): 747 - 752. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. J. Lightbourn, J. R. Stommel, and R. J. Griesbach Epistatic Interactions Influencing Anthocyanin Gene Expression in Capsicum annuum J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., November 1, 2007; 132(6): 824 - 829. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. Reddivari, J. Vanamala, S. Chintharlapalli, S. H. Safe, and J.C. Miller Jr Anthocyanin fraction from potato extracts is cytotoxic to prostate cancer cells through activation of caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways Carcinogenesis, October 1, 2007; 28(10): 2227 - 2235. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. Geraets, H. J. J. Moonen, K. Brauers, E. F. M. Wouters, A. Bast, and G. J. Hageman Dietary Flavones and Flavonoles Are Inhibitors of Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 in Pulmonary Epithelial Cells J. Nutr., October 1, 2007; 137(10): 2190 - 2195. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Rossi, W. Garavello, R. Talamini, E. Negri, C. Bosetti, L. Dal Maso, P. Lagiou, A. Tavani, J. Polesel, L. Barzan, et al. Flavonoids and the Risk of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer: A Case-Control Study from Italy Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., August 1, 2007; 16(8): 1621 - 1625. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W Garavello, M Rossi, J. McLaughlin, C Bosetti, E Negri, P Lagiou, R Talamini, S Franceschi, M Parpinel, L Dal Maso, et al. Flavonoids and laryngeal cancer risk in Italy Ann. Onc., June 1, 2007; 18(6): 1104 - 1109. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Jeon, H. Kim, D. Choi, D. Kim, S.-Y. Park, Y.-J. Kim, Y. M. Kim, and Y. Jung Quercetin Activates an Angiogenic Pathway, Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)-1-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, by Inhibiting HIF-Prolyl Hydroxylase: a Structural Analysis of Quercetin for Inhibiting HIF-Prolyl Hydroxylase Mol. Pharmacol., June 1, 2007; 71(6): 1676 - 1684. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. Ferrer, M. Asensi, S. Priego, M. Benlloch, S. Mena, A. Ortega, E. Obrador, J. M. Esteve, and J. M. Estrela Nitric Oxide Mediates Natural Polyphenol-induced Bcl-2 Down-regulation and Activation of Cell Death in Metastatic B16 Melanoma J. Biol. Chem., February 2, 2007; 282(5): 2880 - 2890. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				Q. Wang and M. E. Morris Flavonoids Modulate Monocarboxylate Transporter-1-Mediated Transport of {gamma}-Hydroxybutyrate in Vitro and in Vivo Drug Metab. Dispos., February 1, 2007; 35(2): 201 - 208. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. Deutsch Evaluation of the Effect of Neptune Krill Oil on Chronic Inflammation and Arthritic Symptoms J. Am. Coll. Nutr., February 1, 2007; 26(1): 39 - 48. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Bosetti, M. Rossi, J. K. McLaughlin, E. Negri, R. Talamini, P. Lagiou, M. Montella, V. Ramazzotti, S. Franceschi, and C. LaVecchia Flavonoids and the Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., January 1, 2007; 16(1): 98 - 101. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. R. Peluso Flavonoids Attenuate Cardiovascular Disease, Inhibit Phosphodiesterase, and Modulate Lipid Homeostasis in Adipose Tissue and Liver Experimental Biology and Medicine, September 1, 2006; 231(8): 1287 - 1299. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Rossi, E. Negri, R. Talamini, C. Bosetti, M. Parpinel, P. Gnagnarella, S. Franceschi, L. Dal Maso, M. Montella, A. Giacosa, et al. Flavonoids and colorectal cancer in Italy. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., August 1, 2006; 15(8): 1555 - 1558. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. E. C. van Hoorn, R. J. Nijveldt, P. G. Boelens, Z. Hofman, P. A. M. van Leeuwen, and K. van Norren Effects of Preoperative Flavonoid Supplementation on Different Organ Functions in Rats JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, July 1, 2006; 30(4): 302 - 308. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Han, S.-Y. Kim, J. Jung, Y. Lim, J.-H. Ahn, S.-I. Kim, and H.-G. Hur Epoxide Formation on the Aromatic B Ring of Flavanone by Biphenyl Dioxygenase of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KF707 Appl. Envir. Microbiol., September 1, 2005; 71(9): 5354 - 5361. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				V. C. J. de Boer, A. A. Dihal, H. van der Woude, I. C. W. Arts, S. Wolffram, G. M. Alink, I. M.C.M. Rietjens, J. Keijer, and P. C. H. Hollman Tissue Distribution of Quercetin in Rats and Pigs J. Nutr., July 1, 2005; 135(7): 1718 - 1725. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. E. Saslowsky, U. Warek, and B. S. J. Winkel Nuclear Localization of Flavonoid Enzymes in Arabidopsis J. Biol. Chem., June 24, 2005; 280(25): 23735 - 23740. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C.-Y. Chen, P. E. Milbury, K. Lapsley, and J. B. Blumberg Flavonoids from Almond Skins Are Bioavailable and Act Synergistically with Vitamins C and E to Enhance Hamster and Human LDL Resistance to Oxidation J. Nutr., June 1, 2005; 135(6): 1366 - 1373. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Bosetti, L. Spertini, M. Parpinel, P. Gnagnarella, P. Lagiou, E. Negri, S. Franceschi, M. Montella, J. Peterson, J. Dwyer, et al. Flavonoids and Breast Cancer Risk in Italy Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., April 1, 2005; 14(4): 805 - 808. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				I. C. Arts and P. C. Hollman Polyphenols and disease risk in epidemiologic studies Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, January 1, 2005; 81(1): 317S - 325S. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				V. Noe, S. Penuelas, R. M. Lamuela-Raventos, J. Permanyer, C. J. Ciudad, and M. Izquierdo-Pulido Epicatechin and a Cocoa Polyphenolic Extract Modulate Gene Expression in Human Caco-2 Cells J. Nutr., October 1, 2004; 134(10): 2509 - 2516. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. Rodrigo, C. Bosco, P. Herrera, and G. Rivera Amelioration of myoglobinuric renal damage in rats by chronic exposure to flavonol-rich red wine Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., September 1, 2004; 19(9): 2237 - 2244. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. M. Butler, W.-P. Koh, H.-P. Lee, M. C. Yu, and S. J. London Dietary Fiber and Reduced Cough with Phlegm: A Cohort Study in Singapore Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., August 1, 2004; 170(3): 279 - 287. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C.-Y. Chen, P. E. Milbury, H.-K. Kwak, F. W. Collins, P. Samuel, and J. B. Blumberg Avenanthramides and Phenolic Acids from Oats Are Bioavailable and Act Synergistically with Vitamin C to Enhance Hamster and Human LDL Resistance to Oxidation J. Nutr., June 1, 2004; 134(6): 1459 - 1466. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				Y. Sato, H. Shibata, N. Arakaki, and T. Higuti 6,7-Dihydroxyflavone Dramatically Intensifies the Susceptibility of Methicillin-Resistant or -Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus to {beta}-Lactams Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., April 1, 2004; 48(4): 1357 - 1360. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Ralay Ranaivo, O. Rakotoarison, A. Tesse, C. Schott, A. Randriantsoa, A. Lobstein, and R. Andriantsitohaina Cedrelopsis grevei induced hypotension and improved endothelial vasodilatation through an increase of Cu/Zn SOD protein expression Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, February 1, 2004; 286(2): H775 - H781. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Blumberg Proceedings of the 3rd International Scientific Symposium on Tea and Human Health: Role of Flavonoids in the Diet. September 23, 2002. J. Nutr., October 1, 2003; 133(10): 3244S - 3318S. [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. L. Balestrieri, D. Castaldo, C. Balestrieri, L. Quagliuolo, A. Giovane, and L. Servillo Modulation by flavonoids of PAF and related phospholipids in endothelial cells during oxidative stress J. Lipid Res., February 1, 2003; 44(2): 380 - 387. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. E. Verhoeyen, A. Bovy, G. Collins, S. Muir, S. Robinson, C. H. R. de Vos, and S. Colliver Increasing antioxidant levels in tomatoes through modification of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway J. Exp. Bot., October 1, 2002; 53(377): 2099 - 2106. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. M. Borradaile, L. E. de Dreu, P. H. R. Barrett, and M. W. Huff Inhibition of hepatocyte apoB secretion by naringenin: enhanced rapid intracellular degradation independent of reduced microsomal cholesteryl esters J. Lipid Res., September 1, 2002; 43(9): 1544 - 1554. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]