Flavonoids

Flavonoids, a diverse group of natural substances with variable phenolic structures, are abundantly found in a wide range of plant-based sources such as fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems, flowers, tea, and wine. Known for their numerous health benefits, efforts are underway to isolate and study the various components of flavonoids for their potential applications in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, medicine, and cosmetics. This is due to their well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic properties, as well as their ability to modulate key cellular enzyme function.

Classification of Flavonoids

Flavonoids possess a general structure featuring a 15-carbon skeleton, comprising two phenyl rings (labeled A and B) and a heterocyclic ring (labeled C). These compounds can be categorized into several subgroups based on the structure and oxidation state of the C ring to which the B ring is attached. These subgroups include:

Flavones

Flavones are a significant subgroup of flavonoids that are commonly found in leaves, flowers, and fruits as glucosides. Sources of flavones include celery, parsley, red peppers, chamomile, mint, and ginkgo.

Flavonols

Flavonols are flavonoids with a ketone group and are essential building blocks of proanthocyanins. They are abundant in various fruits and vegetables, with well-known flavonols like kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, and fisetin.

Flavanones

Flavanones are prevalent in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapes. Examples of flavanones include hesperitin, naringenin, and eriodictyol, known for their antioxidant properties.

Isoflavonoids

Isoflavonoids are a distinct subgroup of flavonoids primarily found in soybeans and other leguminous plants. Some isoflavonoids have also been detected in microbial sources.

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are pigments responsible for the vivid colors in plants, flowers, and fruits. Commonly studied anthocyanins include cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, and peonidin, found in fruits like cranberries, black currants, red grapes, and berries.

Biological Activities of Flavonoids

Antioxidant Activity

Flavonoids are well-known for their antioxidant properties, which depend on the arrangement of functional groups in their structure. The presence of hydroxyl groups influences antioxidant mechanisms like radical scavenging and metal ion chelation, with the B ring hydroxyl configuration playing a crucial role in stabilizing radicals.

Hepatoprotective Activity

Flavonoids have been found to have hepatoprotective properties, helping to protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, drugs, and other harmful substances. Compounds like silymarin from milk thistle and quercetin have been shown to have protective effects on liver cells. These compounds can also help to improve liver function and support overall liver health.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Certain flavonoids, such as hesperidin, apigenin, and quercetin, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, influencing immune and inflammatory processes. They can modulate enzyme systems involved in inflammation, providing relief from inflammatory conditions.

Antibacterial Activity

Flavonoids have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, with various plant extracts rich in flavonoids demonstrating antibacterial activity. Compounds like apigenin, galangin, and flavonol glycosides exhibit potent antibacterial effects.

What We Offer

Alfa Chemistry is a premier supplier of high-quality flavonoids, known for their exceptional purity and potency. Our products undergo rigorous quality control processes to ensure they meet the highest standards. With a diverse selection of flavonoids, you can count on Alfa Chemistry to deliver the ideal solution for your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our extensive range of flavonoid offerings.