Flavonoids Seen through the Energy Perspective

Abstract

In all life forms, opposing forces provide the energy that flows through networks in an organism, which fuels life. In this concept, health is the ability of an organism to maintain the balance between these opposing forces, which creates resilience, and a deranged flow of energy is the basis for diseases. Treatment should focus on adjusting the deranged flow of energy, e.g., by the redox modulating activity of antioxidants. A major group of antioxidants is formed by flavonoids, a group of polyphenolic compounds abundantly present in our diet. The objective here is to review how the redox modulation by flavonoids fits in the various concepts on the mode of action of bioactive compounds, so we can ‘see’ where there is overlap and where the missing links are. Based on this fundament, we should choose our research path aiming to ‘understand’ the redox modulating profile of specific flavonoids, so we can ultimately rationally apply the redox modulating power of flavonoids to improve our health.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Effect and Sperm Quality of the Bomba ceiba Stamen Extracts on Charolais Cattle Sperm Induced by Ferrous Sulfate

“…Previous studies have reported that B. ceiba flowers contain various bioactive components, such as quercetin, rutin, vitexin, isovitexin, kaempferol, isomangiferin, mangiferin, glucopyranoside, phenyl ethyl rutinoside, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, methylchlorogenate, and vanillic acid [12], which are phenolic and flavonoid groups. It was previously found that phenolics and flavonoids had antioxidant potential that enhanced the male reproductive system [13][14][15][16], but the B. ceiba stem bark, when extracted at a dose of 1000 mg/kg, had adverse effects on vital organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys of mice [17]. However, there are limited scientific reports on the biological effects of B. ceiba stamens on the male reproductive system.…”

Computational Chemistry Strategies to Investigate the Antioxidant Activity of Flavonoids—An Overview

“…Surprisingly, after decades of research, the exact molecular mechanism responsible for the antioxidant effect of flavonoids is still enigmatic [ 5 , 6 ]. First of all, this is because measuring antioxidant activity appears to be less straightforward than commonly assumed.…”

Unraveling the Antioxidant Activity of 2R,3R-dihydroquercetin

“…Redox energy is essential for life, as it fuels all our biochemical processes [ 1 ]. Most redox energy is safely channeled in the biochemical networks, but for some unknown reason, part of the oxidizing energy flow is uncontrolled [ 2 ].…”