The flavonoid glycosides, which originate from the scichimic acid pathway, derive from the "union of a" polyketide unit and a phenylpropanoidic unit; the denomination that characterizes them is C6-C3-C6. A lactone originates from the cyclization of hydroxycinnamic acid. C6-C3, in particular a coumarin molecule, which acts as a precursor of the flavonoid; the latter originates from the union of the lactone with another C6 ring; finally it is a C6-C3-C6 tetracyclic system. Their distribution is ubiquitous throughout the plant kingdom, but with different concentrations also in the parts of the same plant. They have been differently classified according to the position of the central ring C6 in:
-flavonoid: the ring is in position C2 and in C3 it has bound a hydroxyl group;
-isoflavonoid: the ring is in position C3;
-flavone: the ring is in position C2.
Flavonoids are generally pigmented compounds and accumulate in vacuoles and plastids, giving the typical color to flowers and fruits. The main properties ascribed to flavonoids are the following: antioxidants, antiallergic, antiviral and antihepatotoxic.
Milk thistle
Artichoke
Blueberry
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