What are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are a diverse group of chemicals found in all plants. About 4000 phytochemicals belong to the flavonoids group. Examples of flavonoids are luteolin, quercetin, blumeatin, tetrahdrooxyflavanone, epigallocatechin gallate, anthocyanins, and tamarixetin. Flavonoids are secondary metabolite products from the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway. All Flavonoids are derived from a chalcone precursor.
Function of Flavonoids in Plants
Flavonoids play a variety of roles in plants. Below are some of their important functions:
Plant-microorganism interactions : Flavonoids play roles as signal molecules, phytoalexins, detoxifying agents, and stimulants for germination of spores. Flavonoids may have defensive or stimulant role depending on the microorganisms role in the plant.
Pigments : Anthocyanins give the colors of flowers, fruits, and leaves of plants.
Flavor : Flavonoids are among an array of the chemicals in plants that give the rich taste of plant products. The flavor may act as repellant or attractant to microorganisms or pests or pollinators.
Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and scanvengers of free radicals. Free radicals cause cellular, and DNA damage in our body and consequently induce age-related diseases suchs as dementia and cancer.
Flavonoids: function in plants
Flavonoids: health benefits for humans