The Longevity Project » flavonoids

Flavonoids

TLP — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:00:08 +0000

Flavonoids (bioflavonoids in the media) are phenylpronanoids, a class of plant-derived organic compounds that are biosynthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine and belonging to the polyphenol group, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule. Flavonoids are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity.

Polyphenols

TLP — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:59:58 +0000

Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances found in plants, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule. Polyphenols are generally further subdivided into tannins, and phenylpropanoids such as lignins and flavonoids.

Phenylpropanoids

TLP — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:59:49 +0000

Phenylpropanoids are a class of plant-derived organic compounds that are biosynthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine. This class includes: cinnamic acids, cinnamic aldehydes and monolignols, coumarins and flavonoids, stilbenoids. They have a wide variety of functions, including defense against herbivores, microbial attack, or other sources of injury; as structural components of cell walls; as protection from ultraviolet light; as pigments; and as signaling molecules.