DIETARY FLAVONOIDS: SOURCE, ANTI-OXIDANT AND ANTI-CANCER POTENTIALS

Abstract

Secondary metabolites are physiologically active plant products. Flavonoids are largest and commonest dietary natural polyphenolic secondary compounds synthesized by phenylpropanoid pathway. Flavonoids are commonly available bioactive antioxidants present in fruits, vegetables and beverages. These are associated with numerous biological, physiological activities, potential health benefits and wide medicinal properties associated with flavonoids. Flavonoids provide their antioxidant effect through interaction with cellular enzyme systems. Both the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of apoptosis can be triggered by flavonoids. Flavonoids stimulate apoptosis, which implies the activation of caspases, the primary operators of cell death, hence promoting anticancer action. Common dietary flavonoid sources has been described here with concentration of characteristics flavonoid classes.