Flavonoids—a new direction for the treatment of fluid retention?

Abstract

Flavonoid extracts are important for the health of the micro-blood vessel network and are clinically exploited in this way by medical herbalists and physicians in mainland Europe. In the present review, we provide preliminary evidence that suggests that plant flavonoid extracts from dietary sources facilitate the repair of vessel damage responsible for 'small blood vessel permeability'. Correction of this pathophysiological abnormality is known to lead to a reduction in symptoms of diffuse benign fluid retention including swollen limbs, fingers, breasts and the tissue surrounding the eye area. There is currently little orthodox treatment for this type of fluid retention except diuretics which are not without side effects and fail to address the underlying cause of the disorder. This paper marshals available data including some preliminary studies that suggest that detailed scientific study of this clinical area and its treatment through flavonoid intervention is warranted.

Diuretic and natriuretic activity of two mistletoe species in rats

“…[2021] These observations, therefore, support the contention that plants synthesize a wide variety of secondary compounds that can exert diuretic effect in mammals. Interestingly, this diversity of secondary chemicals is consistent with the diversity of chemical structures present among commercial diuretics.…”

“…VA has a higher content of triterpenoids (such as oleanolic acid) and a lower content of polyphenolics, whereas HE has a lower content of triterpenoids (such as lupeol) and a higher content of polyphenolics. As triterpenoids and many polyphenolics are well known to affect the kidney's physiology,[2021] it can be presumed that these constituents of the mistletoes are responsible for the observed diuretic effect.…”

Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser: a comprehensive review on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology

“…Many diuretic experiments will measure these indices, so they can provide a reference for subsequently studying the diuretic mechanism of T. chinensis . Triterpenoids and polyphenols have been clinically proven to have diuretic effects and have certain reference values for research on the diuretic effect of T. chinensis [ 97 , 98 ]. Polyphenols, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, are abundant in T. chinensis and are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects.…”

Transient gene expression and total flavonoids production in the electroporated licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra L. suspension protoplasts

“…Flavonoids represent a large group of phenolic secondary metabolites widespread in plants and involved in different plant functions. Some flavonoids like liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigen, lucuraside and others are known to possess anti allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-carci nogenic activities [1][2][3][4]. However, very often the biosynthetic potential of the callus mass and sus pension culture can be decreased in comparison with the original plant tissue [5].…”