Bioflavonoids

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Patience Paradox

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.

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.

Rutin can be used to treat chronic venous insufficiency (condition in which blood drains inadequately from a body part), glaucoma, hay fever, hemorrhoids, varicose veins , poor circulation, oral herpes, cirrhosis, stress, low serum calcium, and for cataracts. It is helpful in reducing weakness in the blood vessels and the resultant hemorrhages. Rutin can relieve the pain from bumps and bruises. Rutin may be taken to help reduce serum cholesterol. It is also useful in treating rheumatic diseases such as gout, arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (a chronic disease marked by a rash on the face with a variety of symptoms), and ankylosing spondylitis (condition affecting ligaments in the spine, involving the hips and shoulders). Rutin is most abundant in apricots, buckwheat, cherries, prunes, rose hips, the whitish rind of citrus fruits, and the core of green peppers.

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins can be used to treat a number of eye conditions such as cataracts, night blindness , diabetic retinopathy (progressive retina disease that is a complication of diabetes), and macular degeneration (a hereditary condition causing loss of vision). They are also useful for strengthening the walls of the blood vessels, and therefore may help prevent bruising, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and spider veins. These bioflavonoids can help to prevent osteoporosis by stabilizing collagen, the major protein in bone. They can reduce cholesterol deposits in arteries, and prevent damage to the artery walls. These actions reduce the possibilities of heart disease and strokes. Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins can dilate the blood vessels and prevent blood clots . Proanthocyanidins are able to cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain from damage by free radicals and infection. Good sources of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins include blackberries, cranberries, black and green tea , raspberries, grapes, eggplant, red cabbage, elderberries, and red wine.

Hesperidin is useful in treating the complaints of menopause and in dealing with the viruses that cause herpes, the flu, and certain respiratory ailments. Hesperidin fights allergic reactions by blocking the release of histamine. It may also help reduce edema (accumulation of fluid) in the legs. Hesperidin deficiency has been linked to weaknesses in the walls of the blood vessels, pain and weakness in the hands and feet, and leg cramps at night. Hesperidin is mostly found in the pulps and rinds of citrus fruits.