Dietary Flavonoids and The Prevention of Degenerative Diseases

Date
2015
Authors
Söhretoglu, Didem
Arroo, R. R. J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN
DOI
Volume Title
Publisher
Studium Press LLC, U.S.A
Peer reviewed
Yes
Abstract
Flavonoids are a group of compounds commonly found in fruits, vegetables, cereals, chocolate, and beverages such as tea, coffee and wine. Epidemiological studies have unambiguously shown that there is a positive correlation between regular fruit and vegetable intake and a lower occurrence of a variety of degenerative diseases. It is widely assumed that particularly the dietary flavonoids in fruits and vegetables play a key role in exerting beneficial effects on coronary heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease etc. Traditionally, the positive effects of flavonoids were attributed to their antioxidant actions. Although flavonoids have been identified as powerful antioxidants in vitro, their ability to act as antioxidants in vivo is limited by extensive biotransformation and conjugation which occur during their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract in the liver and finally in cells. Thus, the beneficial effects of flavonoids on prevention of degenerative diseases go far beyond what may be expected of an antioxidant effect alone; other mechanisms must be involved. Consequently, more research needs to be done into the correlation of effects of flavonoids on degenerative diseases and their possible mechanisms of action.
Description
Joint project with Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
Keywords
Antioxidant, Stroke, Parkinson, Alzheimer
Citation
Söhretoglu, D. and Arroo, R.R.J. (2015) Dietary Flavonoids and The Prevention of Degenerative Diseases. In: Govil, J.N. and Pathak, M. eds. Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants Volume 40 - Flavonoids and Antioxidants. Studium Press LLC, U.S.A. pp.331 - 351
Research Institute
Leicester Institute for Pharmaceutical Innovation - From Molecules to Practice (LIPI)