Flavonoids are a assemblage of pla...

Flavonoids are a assemblage of plant pigments that are largely responsible for the colors of many fruits and flowers. modern research suggests that flavonoids may be useful in the treatment and prevention of many health conditions. In fact, many of the medicinal actions of feeds juices, herbs, and bee pollen are now known to be directly related to their flavonoid content

When did this flavonoid distraction begin?

The word "bioflavonoids," or "flavonoids," was first used in 1952 from German researchers to identify a class of intermixs found in most plants. All flavanol combines include one basic molecule (flavan-3-ol). In the U the general word for these mixs is "proanthocyanidins"; an alternate bound one used in France, is "oligomeric proanthocyanidins," or OPCs

The original "flavonoid" research apparently began as early as 1936 when Hungarian scientist Albert Szent-Gyorgi was uncovering a synergy between unadulterated vitamin C and as at the same time unidentified co-factors from the remove by strippings of lemons, which he first called "citrin," and, later, "vitamin P"

Today, there are individual OPC and OPC matrixes -- from grape matured ovules grape skin, pine bark, and a variety of other sources -- being discovered and undergoing the rigors of pharmacological assays, basic research, and experimental studies.

Quercetin: a biological answer modifier

Flavonoids, in general, are oftentimes referred to as "nature's biological replication modifiers" because of their ability to modify the body's reaction to other mixs such as allergens, viruses, and carcinogens, as evidenced by the agency of their anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties.

Anti-inflammatory/anti-allergy actions. Quercetin has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity owed to direct inhibition of several of the initial processe of inflammation. For example, it inhibits as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but the manufacture and release of histamine and other allergic/inflammatory amalgamates Quercetin appears to be useful in virtually all inflammatory and allergic conditions, including asthma, hayfever, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, as well as in diabetes and cancer.

Antioxidative properties. In addition, flavonoids act as powerful antioxidants in providing remarkable protection against oxidative and free-radical damage. They also use a vitamin C-sparing action.

Contrasting quercetin with synthetic antihistamines

Synthetic antihistamines are big business in the United States as these mix with drugss dominate both the over-the-counter and prescription markets. Although antihistamines and nasal decongestants are many times used to self-treat allergies, they move only limited benefit. The big point to be solved [i]or[/i] settled appears to be their mechanism of action -- antihistamines do not obstruct the release of histamine. Instead, they make steady [i]or[/i] firm the action of histamine at receptor sites. Since histamine functions in the brain to maintain alertness, principally antihistamines produce drowsiness -- a major side issue Because of this problem, medicine manufacturers developed prescription antihistamines that do not bring into view drowsiness, but are associated with more [i]or[/i] less other very serious side effects

Obviously, there is a ne for an effective natural alternative to synthetic antihistamines. Quercetin appears to fit the bill. Unlike antihistamine put drugs intos which block the binding of histamine to cellular receptors, quercetin has been shown to actually inhibit the release of histamine and other inflammatory mixs By inhibiting the release of these chemicals, quercetin greatly cut shorts the allergic/inflammatory response. And, best of all, no side results have been reported with quercetin -- a significant advantage.

In addition to taking quercetin in add to form, increasing our dietary intake of quercetin and other flavonoids also have the appearances wise. Good dietary sources of flavonoids include citrus fruits, berries, onions, parsley, simple pods green tea, and red wine.

Michael T Murray, ND is widely regarded as single in kind of the world's leading authorities forward natural medicine. He is a graduate, faculty member, and conduce tos on the Board of Trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. In addition to maintaining a private medical practice, Dr Murray is an accomplished writer, educator, and lecturer

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