Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 John's wort Flowers, Phytochemicals: Carotenoids, (Hypericum leaves, caryophyllene, chlorophyll, flavonoids, perforatum) stems, oil. hyperoside, isoquercitrin, limonene, lutein, mannitol, myristic acid, phenol, phloroglucinol, phytosterols, quercetin, quercitrin, rutin, saponin, tannins. Nutrients: Vitamin C.
Good for depression and nerve pain. Helps control stress. In laboratory studies, protects bone marrow and intestinal mucosa from x-ray damage. Applied topically, the oil aids wound healing.
Caution: Severe interaction with warfarin and digoxin. |
| Phytochemicals: Alpha-pinene, (Vitex agnus- alpha-terpineol, chrysosplenol, castus) flavonoids, limonene, linalool, myrcene, 1,8-cineole, pinene, progesterone, testosterone.
Has a calming and soothing effect. Relieves muscle cramps. Regulates and normalizes hormone levels and menstrual cycles. Increases and improves breast milk. Good for symptoms of PMS and menopause.
Also called chasteberry, vitex.
Caution: Should not be used during pregnancy. Should not be given to children.
Chickweed Leaves, Phytochemicals: Beta-carotene, (Stellaria stems. genistein, rutin. |
Leslie Taylor, ND
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 Phytochemical analysis of pedra hume caa reveals a high content of flavonoids, flavonols, and flavanones. In 1998, Japanese researchers reported the discovery of several novel and biologically active phytochemicals. These new flavanone glucosides were named myrciacitrins I and II; the new acetophenone glucosides were named myrciaphenones A and B.1 Their published study reported that a methanol extract of pedra hume caa (as well as these novel chemicals) demonstrated potent inhibitory activities on aldose reductase and alpha-glucosidase. |
Ben-Erik van Wyk
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 One of the most common dietary flavonoids is quercetin, a flavonol found in of cancer in people with a high consumption of garlic. The glucosinolates are a group of compounds that are enzymatically converted to volatile and pungent isothiocyanates when chewed or processed. There is evidence that regular consumption of glucosinolates may offer protection against cancer. Tannins are astringent substances that are considered to be detrimental to good digestion, at least in animals. |
Michael T. Murray
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 Endothelial cells are susceptible to damage by oxidized LDL cholesterol and other free radicals—hence the importance of high dietary antioxidant intake, flavonoids, and key supplemental antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, and alpha-lipoic acid. All of these factors have been shown to improve endothelial cell function and are critical in the battle against vascular disease in diabetes.2-5
In addition to the goal of improving endothelial cell function in diabetes, most diabetics will have to deal with high cholesterol. |
The Editors of FC&A
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| Of all the flavonoids tested, tangeretin packed the most wallop against cancer cells. Even better, the vitamin C in these citrus juices is an enemy of cancer, too. So help yourself to more orange juice or tangerine juice, and you may just help yourself against cancer, too.
Count on cranberry juice. Scientists have found cancer-fighting compounds hidden in cranberry juice. In fact, research shows this crimson juice may specifically help prevent breast cancer. To get the anti-cancer advantages of cranberry juice, keep this in mind. |
Michael T. Murray
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| Since flavonoids are so important to the prevention of the complications of diabetes, we also encourage supplementing your diet with flavonoid-rich extracts (discussed in Chapter 11, pages 249-251).
A general rule of thumb is that one serving equals one medium fruit or Vi cup of small cut-up fruit, 4 oz. of 100 percent juice, or lA cup dried fruit.
Good Oils (Nuts, Seeds, and Oils)? Servings Daily
These foods provide the beneficial oils, especially the monounsaturated fats, and regular nut consumption has been shown to improve blood sugar regulation. Focus on raw nuts and seeds. |
| For example, because the flavonoids of bilberry (Vaccinium myr-tillus) have an affinity for the eye, including the retina, bilbery is probably the best choice in a diabetic already exhibiting signs of diabetic retinopathy. Identify which flavonoid or flavonoid-rich extract is most appropriate for you and take it according to the recommended dosage. There is tremendous overlap among the mechanisms of action and benefits of flavonoid-rich extracts; the key point is to take the one that is most specific to your personal needs (see Table 11.1). |
Bryan Hanson, PhD
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 The prefix pro- indicates that they can produce anthocyanidins, which are actually a type of flavonoid (see the section Anthocyanidins and flavonoids).25 They are polymeric, which means they are composed of chains of various lengths of a repeating unit; in this case the repeating unit is a flavonoid structure. The building blocks can be connected or linked to one another by different atoms. The polymeric nature and variety of linking schemes make it hard to study the condensed tannins, and thus only the simpler ones have been purified and studied. |
| Many studies have shown that ginkgo flavonoids significantly decrease the amount of damage that occurs in stroke-like situations. Thus, regular consumption of ginkgo extract during one's senior years not only contributes generally to good cerebral blood flow but also provides a reservoir of antioxidants that decreases both the likelihood and severity of strokes.
Platelet Activating Factor
The second manner by which ginkgo improves circulation in the brain is intertwined with the more general antioxidant effect just described. |
| The chemical components identified as being responsible for the medicinal effects fall into two categories: flavonoids and terpenes. Based upon extensive research, it is generally agreed that the extract should be concentrated and standardized so that it contains about 25 percent flavonoid glycosides and about 6 percent terpenes. Figure 7.8 shows representative structures of the most important molecules.
FIGURE 7.8. Bioactive molecules of Ginkgo biloba. a: a flavonoid glycoside; b: ginkgolide B. |
Amarjit S. Basra
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 The active substances unique to red wine are various polyphenols, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and stilbenes.43
The wide range of biological effects exhibited by wine polyphenols are thought to be due to their powerful antioxidant properties in the body together with their ability to interact with redox-sensitive cell-signaling pathways.44 The extent of the potency of polyphenols in vivo is dependent upon their absorption, metabolism and secretion.45 Their antioxidant potential in the body may, however, be of importance only at sites where adverse oxidation occurs. |
Bryan Hanson, PhD
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| How exactly do the flavonoids and other dietary antioxidants act to reduce damage by ROS? A good antioxidant is able to react with a ROS by trading a hydrogen atom to give a free radical, but one that is very stable and unreactive (essentially an w«reactive oxygen species, an "unROS"). The secret lies in their structures. Compounds with a phenolic structure, especially one with two alcohols and an extended ring system, readily give up their hydrogen and become a stable free radical. |
Gary Null
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| A 1993 study published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemical Molecular Biology compares chrysin and ten other flavonoids to an aromatase-inhibiting drug (aminoglutethimide). Chrysin was not only shown to be the most potent of these aromatase inhibitors, it was found to be similar in effectiveness to the aromatase-inhibiting drug. The scientists conducting the study conclude that the aromatase-inhibiting effects of certain flavonoids may contribute to the cancer-preventive effects of plant-based diets. |
Michael T. Murray
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| In addition to controlling blood sugar levels, vitamin C, flavonoids such as quercetin, grapeseed extract, and bilberry extract can help lower intracellular sorbitol levels.
Increased Oxidative Damage
Increased oxidative stress is a major factor in the risk of the chronic complications of diabetes. As previously stated, individuals with diabetes typically have elevated levels of free radicals and oxidative compounds.3 These highly reactive compounds bind to and destroy cellular compounds. |
| Adults: high-quality supplement (wild-caught salmon oil, DHA/EPA concentrate, or cod-liver oil)
3. flavonoids (grapeseed extract is one of our favorites)
4. Probiotics (friendly bacteria)
A High-Potency Multiple Vitamin and Mineral Formula
Your body needs essential vitamins and minerals—each in the right amount—for your tissues to do their jobs. Every one of your billions of cells must have the right building blocks in order to function properly. One of the most crucial functions of vitamins and minerals is in the manufacture of enzymes—molecules that trigger and control chemical reactions. |
| Reduced Intake of Nitrates
The nitrates found in many vegetables, especially beneficial green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce, do not form damaging ni-trosamines because of the various protective antioxidants in the food such as vitamin C and flavonoids. Reducing your intake of nitrates means making sure your drinking water does not contain nitrates as well as avoiding smoked or cured meats.
State and federal laws set the maximum allowable level of nitrate-nitrogen in public drinking water at 10 mg/L (10 ppm). |
Brenda Davis and Tom Barnard
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 A single orange contains over 170 different phytochemicals, including 60 flavonoids, 40 limonoids, and 20 carotenoids. (See more on these on pages 60-61.) flavonoids are strong antioxidants with significant anticancer and anti-cardiovascular disease activity, while limonoids help to reduce cholesterol levels and stimulate detoxifying enzymes. þsoybeans. These beans provide a rich plant source of protein and plant sterols, as well as phytoestrogens such as lignans and isoflavones. The principle isoflavones in soy are genestein and daidzein. |
D. Lindsey Berkson
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 Some flavonoids are estrogenic and bind to the estrogen receptors. flavonoids are so effective they have been used to stop spotting in women. Doctors Sarfati and J. de Brux reported endometrial capillary resistance increased dramatically, and endometrial biopsy appeared the most normal in women given the highest dose of flavonoids with hrt.
Dr. Charles Smith published a double-blind study in which ninety-four women with menopausal hot flashes received different treatments during separate one-month periods. |
Byron J. Richards
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 Isoprenoids contribute to a plant's flavor and fragrance, regulate germination and growth, and protect the plant from insects and fungus. The flavonoids in deep-colored pigments in fruits, and the carotenes in vegetables, are examples of isoprenoids. Inside cells they perform a rather interesting function, they can deactivate oncogenes (common mutant genes in human cancers), thus reducing the risk for cancer. There is a reason cultures with diets containing fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains have lower cancer rates. If you don't eat these foods then you will run low on isoprenoids. |
Bryan Hanson, PhD
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| The role of dietary antioxidants such as flavonoids in quenching or destroying various kinds of ROS. blood lipids of various kinds. A low intake of dietary antioxidants (as just described) and such habits as smoking increase one's oxidative stress. Infrequent exercise means that the heart is out of condition and pumps less strongly, leading to very slow blood flow, particularly in the capillaries and near branch points in the arteries. These factors and others set the stage for atherosclerosis. |
Jack Challem
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 Vegetables, fruits, and herbs contain thousands of different antioxidants, most in families of compounds called polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which will be discussed later in this chapter.
Unfortunately, companies sometimes advertise that a "super-antioxidant" product is fifty or a hundred times more powerful than vitamins E or C. Such ads are misleading. No single antioxidant can neutralize all types of free radicals. Different antioxidants work in different places in the cell, some are fat-soluble and others water-soluble, and each quenches different types of free radicals. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| The anti-inflammatory properties of strawberries include the ability of their flavonoids to lessen the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, or COX. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, block pain by blocking this enzyme, which is linked to inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Unlike drugs that are COX inhibitors, however, strawberries do not cause intestinal bleeding or heart disease.
Strawberries also have strong anticancer effects. |
| In addition to the glucose oxidase enzyme found in honey, which may help in the healing process, honey also contains antioxidants and flavonoids that may function as antibacterial agents. One antioxidant in particular, pinocem-brin, which is unique to honey, is currently being studied for its antibacterial properties. One laboratory study of unpasteurized honey samples indicated the majority had antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium found readily in our environment that can cause infections, especially in open wounds. |
| Fruit, in general, is an excellent source of many vital antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals, such as vitamin C, carotenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Regular fruit consumption, like regular vegetable consumption, has been shown to offer significant protection against many chronic degenerative diseases, including cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and strokes. Although most fruit is seasonal, with modern transportation methods a wide variety of healthful fresh fruit is now available to most people year-round. |
| If apples are raw and unpeeled, they are a great source of many important phytochemicals, such as ellagic acid and flavonoids (especially quercetin). For example, fresh whole apples and fresh apple juice contain approximately 100-130 milligrams per 100 grams (roughly 3'/2 ounces) of ellagic, chloro-genic, and caffeic acids. The content of these compounds in cooked or commercial apple products, however, is at or near zero.
A 3'/2-ounce (100 gram) serving of apple is one small apple (four per pound) and provides 52 calories, 0.3 grams of protein, 0.2 gram of fat, and 12. |
| This is a child-friendly dish, since the alcohol, but not the flavor or the flavonoids, will evaporate.
• Saute equal amounts of cabbage and onions in olive oil and serve over cooked buckwheat for a hardy side dish.
• For a twist on the traditional Reuben sandwich, place grilled tempeh on a slice of whole-grain bread, layer with sauerkraut, top with cheese or "meltable" soy cheese, and then grill for a few minutes until the sandwich is hot and toasty. Top with Russian dressing and enjoy. |
Jack Challem
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| Pesticides kill insects, so plants grow relatively unstressed—and with lower levels of flavonoids.
There are other compelling reasons to minimize your intake of pesticides. The most widely used pesticides function as estrogen mimics, meaning that they simulate the effects of estrogen in the body. And it's not just the pesticides used in the growing of fruits and vegetables. Even the grains fed to livestock are commonly laced with pesticides to prevent insect infestation. |
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
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 Black tea and green tea are both rich in flavonoids, which are vitaminlike compounds that naturally occur in tea, and also in fruits and vegetables. flavonoids tend to make blood cells less prone to clotting. Therefore they can help reduce risk of stroke, including the "mini-strokes" that can cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer's. In one recent study, men with a high flavonoid intake had a 73-percent lower risk of stroke than a control group, over a fifteen-year period. The men in the study got about 60 percent of their flavonoids from tea. |
Jack Challem
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| The best-known antioxidants are vitamins E and C, but other important ones include carotenoids (such as lutein, lycopene, and beta-carotene), flavonoids (such as quercetin and hesperidin), selenium, N-acetylcysteine, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Most antioxidant research has focused on how these nutrients quench, or neutralize, harmful molecules called free radicals. As discussed in chapter 2, free radicals are unbalanced molecules that lack one electron in what is normally a pair. |
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