Flavonoids: General Characteristics and Classification
Özet
Flavonoids are a large class of plant polyphenolic secondary metabolites widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, grains, and flowers. Chemically, they share a characteristic C6-C3-C6 skeleton consisting of two benzene rings connected by a three-carbon bridge. In plants, they fulfill vital physiological roles, including flower and fruit pigmentation, protection against UV radiation, and growth signaling. In human nutrition, they are regarded as important nutraceuticals associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Flavonoids are biosynthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway and are classified into subclasses based on the oxidation state of the central pyran ring and the position of the B ring. The major classes include flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, isoflavones, and anthocyanidins. This paper reviews the chemical structure, biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, roles in plants and human health, and the core classification of flavonoids.
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