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Despite their natural origin, flavones and flavonols are effective against some of the toughest pathogens, offering a potential solution in the global fight against antibiotic resistance—a growing crisis in modern medicine. Their broad spectrum of action spans from preventing cancer to protecting against neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their versatility and immense therapeutic potential.
Flavones and Flavonols
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Read MoreKaren Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Kimberly Eyer
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Kimberly Eyer
Read MoreKimberly Eyer, a Registered Nurse with 30 years of nursing experience across diverse settings, including Home Health, ICU, Operating Room Nursing, and Research. Her roles have encompassed Operating Room Nurse, RN First Assistant, and Acting Director of a Same Day Surgery Center. Her specialty areas include Adult Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Neurosurgery.
Flavones and flavonols are plant-derived compounds known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
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Karen Pendergrass
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Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Read More
Fact-checked by:
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Kimberly Eyer
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Kimberly Eyer
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Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Microbiome Signatures
Overview 
Research Feed Overview
Flavones and flavonols are natural compounds found extensively in plants and recognized for their powerful antioxidant properties. These compounds combat reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, preventing cellular damage. Beyond antioxidation, they exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiviral, and anticancer effects, making them integral in preventing and managing various health conditions. Their interactions with a range of biochemical pathways highlight their importance in medical applications, promising further advancements in health and wellness. [x]
Structure
The structure of flavones and flavonols significantly influences their efficacy. The presence of a 3-hydroxyl group on the heterocyclic ring of these compounds markedly enhances their radical-scavenging ability. Additionally, other structural features like hydroxyl or methoxyl groups on specific ring positions can further modify their stability and antioxidant capability. [x] Notably, modifications such as glycosylation can decrease these properties, as seen with compounds like rutin.
Medical Potential
Flavones and flavonols protect against diseases such as liver disorders, cataracts, and cardiovascular diseases due to their vascular protective effects. They prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Their ability to modulate enzyme activity and inflammatory processes also makes them valuable for treating rheumatic diseases and enhancing organ transplant outcomes.
What conditions benefit from the consumption of flavones and flavonols?
| Condition | Beneficial Effects of Flavones and Flavonols |
|---|---|
| Diabetes Management and Neuroprotection | These compounds aid in diabetes management by modulating insulin release and enhancing pancreatic function. They also offer neuroprotective properties that improve cognitive functions and overall brain health, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases. |
| Cancer Prevention and Management | Flavones and flavonols are linked to a reduced risk of various cancers and cancer progression. Their effectiveness stems from antioxidant activity, enzyme inhibition, and the modulation of cellular signaling pathways, highlighting their potential as anticancer agents. |
| Endometriosis Management | Flavones and flavonols such as quercetin, resveratrol, kaempferol, genistein, and myricetin have been investigated for endometriosis. They may help manage the disease by modulating estrogen activity, reducing inflammation, suppressing angiogenesis, and promoting apoptosis in endometrial cells. |
Antimicrobial Activity
Flavones and flavonols exhibit extensive antimicrobial activities against various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making them promising natural alternatives to conventional antimicrobial agents amid growing antibiotic resistance. These diverse mechanisms of action provide multiple pathways for exploring new therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases.
What makes flavones and flavanols a good therapeutic strategy for infectious diseases?
Disruption of Microbial Cell Membranes: Flavones and flavonols can interfere with the integrity and function of microbial cell membranes, leading to increased permeability and eventual cell lysis. This action is crucial against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Inhibition of Nucleic Acid Synthesis: These compounds can inhibit DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for DNA replication and transcription in bacteria. By blocking these enzymes, flavones and flavonols prevent bacterial replication and transcription.
Inhibition of Protein Synthesis: Some flavonoids have been shown to bind to bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis which is critical for bacterial growth and metabolism.
Antifungal Activities: Flavonoids can alter the integrity of the fungal cell membrane and inhibit enzymes involved in fungal cell wall synthesis, such as glucan and mannan synthases.
Anti-viral Properties: Flavones and flavonols can inhibit viral entry into host cells and interfere with various stages of viral replication. For instance, they can prevent the binding of viruses to cell receptors or inhibit viral proteases.
Inhibition of Biofilm Formation: These compounds can reduce biofilm formation by inhibiting the quorum sensing system, which is critical for biofilm development and bacterial communication.
What microbes do flavones and flavonols have antimicrobial activity against?
| Organism | Flavones/Flavonols |
|---|---|
| Staphylococcus aureus | Quercetin, Baicalin, Fisetin |
| Staphylococcus albus | Fisetin |
| Streptococcus pyogenes | Apigenin |
| Streptococcus viridians | Apigenin |
| Streptococcus jaccalis | Chrysin |
| Streptococcus baris | Chrysin |
| Streptococcus pneumonia | Chrysin |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Rutin, Baicalin, Hydroxyethylrutoside |
| Escherichia coli | Quercetin |
| Bacillus subtilis | Quercetin |
| Bacillus anthracis | Rutin |
| Proteus vulgaris | Datisetin |
| Clostridium perferingens | Hydroxyethylrutoside |
| Rabies virus | Quercetin, Rutin |
| Herpes virus | Quercetin |
| Para influenza virus | Quercetin, Rutin |
| Herpes simplex virus | Galangin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Apigenin |
| Respiratory syncytial virus | Quercetin |
| Immunodeficiency virus | Apigenin |
| Auzesky virus | Quercetin, Morin, Apigenin |
| Polio virus | Quercetin |
| Mengo virus | Quercetin |
| Pseudorabies virus | Quercetin |
| Candida tropicalis | Chrysoeriol |
| Fusarium solani | Chrysoeriol |
| Botrytis cinerea | Chrysoeriol |
| Verticillum dahliae | Quercetin, Rutin |
| Azotobacter vinelandii | Apigenin |
| Alternacia tennisima | Apigenin |
Research Feed
Natural favonols: actions, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic utility for various diseases
May 15, 2023
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
Streptococcus spp.
Streptococcus is a genus of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria commonly found in pairs or chains. Important human pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep), and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B strep).
Streptococcus spp.
Streptococcus is a genus of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria commonly found in pairs or chains. Important human pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep), and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B strep).
Streptococcus spp.
Streptococcus is a genus of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria commonly found in pairs or chains. Important human pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep), and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B strep).
Streptococcus spp.
Streptococcus is a genus of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria commonly found in pairs or chains. Important human pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep), and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B strep).
Streptococcus spp.
Streptococcus is a genus of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacteria commonly found in pairs or chains. Important human pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep), and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B strep).