Bioflavonoids Health Article

Description

Bioflavonoids, or flavonoids, are a large class of antioxidants. They are compounds abundant in the pulp and rinds of citrus fruits and other foods containing vitamin C, such as soybeans and root vegetables. Other major sources of bioflavonoids include tea, vegetables such as broccoli and eggplant, flaxseed, and whole grains. Bioflavonoids are active ingredients in many herbal remedies. These include feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium; Ginkgo biloba; licorice root, Glycyrrhiza glabra; St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum; and Echinacea spp.

Bioflavonoids help maximize the benefits of vitamin C by inhibiting its breakdown in the body. In 1935, Albert Szent-Györgyi demonstrated that an extract he called citrin, made from lemon peels, was more effective than pure vitamin C in preventing scurvy. In 1936, Szent-Györgyi found that citrin was a mixture of bioflavonoids, including the flavone hesperidin and a flavonol glucoside. Szent-Györgyi believed that bioflavonoids should be considered vitamins, but was not able to substantiate that they were essential nutrients. Still, many researchers and physicians believe that dietary intake of bioflavonoids is beneficial for blood vessel health and possibly for protection against heart disease.

Bioflavonoids are categorized in a variety of ways, sometimes with overlapping categories. Types of bioflavonoids include flavones, isoflavonoids, flavanones (such as catechins and naringin), and flavanols.

General use

In their natural state, bioflavonoids are usually found in close association with vitamin C. In treating conditions, vitamin C and bioflavonoids each enhance the action of the other compound. Therefore, when taken as supplements, they often should be used in combination to increase effectiveness. In general, all bioflavonoids are potentially useful as antioxidants, antivirals, and anti-inflammatories. Other health benefits of the various bioflavonoids include:

• preventing nosebleeds, miscarriages, postpartum bleeding, and other types of hemorrhages
• the treatment and prevention of menstrual disorders
• protection against cancer and heart disease
• anticoagulant activity (preventing blood clotting)
• reducing the occurrence of easy bruising
• decreasing the cholesterol level
• improving symptoms related to aging
• protection against infections
• counteracting the effects of pollution, pesticides, rancid fats, and alcohol
• ability to reduce pain
• improving the circulation
• improving liver function
• improvement of vision and eye diseases
• strengthening the walls of the blood vessels