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DESCRIPTION
Although bioflavonoids, or flavonoids, are not true vitamins in the strictest sense, they are sometimes referred to as vitamin P. Bioflavonoids are water-soluble antioxidants that are a part of a group of natural pigments, primarily the yellow pigments found in citrus fruit as well as other fruits and vegetables. Research reports over 5,000 different types of flavonoids and of these, a hundred or so have been shown to have biological effect in humans.
Many scientific studies on bioflavonoids have demonstrated the substance's wide range of qualities. Bioflavonoids are naturally occurring substances thought to preserve a normal environment in the walls of the small blood vessels. Polyphenol, a rich substance of bioflavonoids, is present in all fruits and vegetables and has anti-allergy properties of the kind that actually prevent allergic reactions rather than treat the symptoms. The term Bioflavonoids refers to many different ingredients and include: Citrin, Flavones, Hesperin, Hesperidin, Eriodictyol, Quercetin, Quercetrin, Rutin and many more. Bioflavonoids enhance the absorption of vitamin C, and the two should be taken together. The human body cannot produce bioflavonoids, so they must be supplied in the diet.
Bioflavonoids help maximize the benefits of vitamin C by inhibiting its breakdown in the body. In 1935, Albert Szent-Györgyi demonstrated that an extract he called citrin, made from lemon peels, was more effective than pure vitamin C in preventing scurvy. In 1936, Szent-Györgyi found that citrin was a mixture of bioflavonoids, including the flavone hesperidin and a flavonol glucoside. Szent-Györgyi believed that bioflavonoids should be considered vitamins, but was not able to substantiate that they were essential nutrients. Still, many researchers and physicians believe that dietary intake of bioflavonoids is beneficial for blood vessel health and possibly for protection against heart disease.
Bioflavonoids are categorized in a variety of ways, sometimes with overlapping categories. Types of bioflavonoids include flavones, isoflavonoids, flavanones (such as catechins and naringin), and flavanols.
Bioflavonoids are used extensively in the treatment of athletic injuries because they relieve pain, bumps, and bruises. They also reduce pain located in the legs or across the back, and lessen symptoms associated with prolonged bleeding and low serum calcium. Bioflavonoids act syngistically with vitamin C to protect and preserve the structure of capillaries. In addition, bioflavonoids have an antibacterial effect and promote circulation, stimulate bile production, lower cholesterol levels, and treat and prevent cataracts. When taken with vitamin C, bioflavonoids also reduce the symptoms of oral herpes.
Quercetin, a bioflavonoid found in blue-green algae and available in supplement form, may effectively treat and prevent asthma symptoms. Activated Quercetin from Source Naturals is a good source of quercetin. It also contains two other ingredients that increase its efficacy: bromelain, and enzyme from pineapple, and vitamin C, in the non-acidic form of magnesium ascorbate. Bromelain and quercetin are synergists, and should be taken in conjunction to enhance absorption.
Citrus flavonoids are a group of compounds obtained from the rinds of citrus fruits and are involved with the homeostasis of the walls of small blood vessels. A marked reduction of bioflavonoids results in increased fragility and permeability of capillary blood vessels. The citrus flavonoid compound is also known as vitamin P complex.
BIOFLAVONOID USES & HEALTH
In their natural state, bioflavonoids are usually found in close association with vitamin C. In treating conditions, vitamin C and bioflavonoids each enhance the action of the other compound. Therefore, when taken as supplements, they often should be used in combination to increase effectiveness.
In general, all bioflavonoids possess antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antioxidant activities, and may therefore be useful in preventing and/or treating a wide variety of conditions. Bioflavonoids work in sync with vitamin C to preserve and protect capillaries, promote circulation, lower cholesterol levels, and prevent allergic reactions. Bioflavonoids are essential for the absorption of vitamin C and the two should be taken together. Bioflavonoids are used abundantly in the treatment of athletic injuries because they relieve pain, bumps and bruises. Here is a list of some of the things that Bioflavonoids can help assist with:
- Protection against infections.
- Anti-inflammatory properties.
- Helps with allergies and hay fever.
- Menstrual disorders, treatment and prevention.
- Protection against cancer and heart disease.
- Stop or slow the growth of malignant cells.
- Helps to decrease the cholesterol level.
- Improvement of eye & vision health, cataracts, glaucoma, night blindness.
- Improving symptoms related to aging.
- Ability to reduce pain.
- Counteracting the effects of pollution, pesticides, rancid fats, & alcohol.
- Improves circulation and liver function.
- Strengthening blood vessel walls, reducing the occurrence of easy bruising, varicose veins, capillary fragility, bleeding gums and other abnormalities.
- Preventing nosebleeds, miscarriages, postpartum bleeding, and other types of hemorrhages.
- Anticoagulant activity (preventing unwanted blood clotting) but promotes normal blood clotting when needed.
MAJOR BIOFLAVONOIDS & THEIR ACTIONS
RUTIN: Rutin can be used to treat chronic venous insufficiency (condition in which blood drains inadequately from a body part), glaucoma, hay fever, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, poor circulation, oral herpes, cirrhosis, stress, low serum calcium, and for cataracts. It is helpful in reducing weakness in the blood vessels and the resultant hemorrhages. Rutin can relieve the pain from bumps and bruises. Rutin may be taken to help reduce serum cholesterol. It is also useful in treating rheumatic diseases such as gout, arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (a chronic disease marked by a rash on the face with a variety of symptoms), and ankylosing spondylitis (condition affecting ligaments in the spine, involving the hips and shoulders). Rutin is most abundant in apricots, buckwheat, cherries, prunes, rose hips, the whitish rind of citrus fruits, and the core of green peppers.
ANTHOCYANINS & PROANTHOCYANIDINS: Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins can be used to treat a number of eye conditions such as cataracts, night blindness, diabetic retinopathy (progressive retina disease that is a complication of diabetes), and macular degeneration (a hereditary condition causing loss of vision). They are also useful for strengthening the walls of the blood vessels, and therefore may help prevent bruising, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and spider veins. These bioflavonoids can help to prevent osteoporosis by stabilizing collagen, the major protein in bone. They can reduce cholesterol deposits in arteries, and prevent damage to the artery walls. These actions reduce the possibilities of heart disease and strokes. Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins can dilate the blood vessels and prevent blood clots. Proanthocyanidins are able to cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain from damage by free radicals and infection. Good sources of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins include blackberries, cranberries, black and green tea, raspberries, grapes, eggplant, red cabbage, elderberries, and red wine.
HESPERIDIN: Hesperidin is useful in treating the complaints of menopause and in dealing with the viruses that cause herpes, the flu, and certain respiratory ailments. Hesperidin fights allergic reactions by blocking the release of histamine. It may also help reduce edema (accumulation of fluid) in the legs. Hesperidin deficiency has been linked to weaknesses in the walls of the blood vessels, pain and weakness in the hands and feet, and leg cramps at night. Hesperidin is mostly found in the pulps and rinds of citrus fruits.
ELLAGIC ACID: Ellagic acid helps to inhibit cancer by neutralizing the effect of certain carcinogens. It is particularly helpful in reducing the effects of nitrosamines, which are found in tobacco and processed meat products such as bacon and hot dogs. Ellagic acid reduces the effects of the toxic and carcinogenic factors (aflatoxins) produced by Aspergillus flavus molds on food. Aflatoxins may cause liver damage and cancer. Ellagic acid diminishes the effects of polycyclic hydrocarbons produced by tobacco smoke and air pollution, as well. Sources of ellagic acid include strawberries, grapes, apples, cranberries, blackberries, and walnuts.
QUERCETIN: Quercetin is a good antihistamine. It can help reduce the inflammation that results from hay fever, allergies, bursitis, gout, arthritis, and asthma. It may lessen other asthma symptoms. Quercetin stimulates detoxification in the liver. It strengthens the blood vessels, and is useful in treating atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) and high cholesterol levels. It may help inhibit tumor formation. Quercetin can be used to treat many of the complications of diabetes. For example, it blocks the accumulation of sorbitol, which has been linked with nerve, eye and kidney damage in diabetics; and it regulates blood sugar levels. Quercetin inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori, which has been implicated in the development of peptic ulcers. It can also help diminish the effects of the herpes virus, the Epstein-Barr virus (a common virus; a common cause of mononucleosis), and the polio virus. Quercetin is found in green tea, onionskins, kale, red cabbage, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, strawberries, cherries, and grapes. It is also found in smaller amounts in many other foods.
CATECHINS & TANNINS: Catechins and tannins can be used to stimulate detoxification by the liver and to strengthen the blood vessels. They also help reduce the inflammatory response. Catechins and tannins may help inhibit the formation of tumors. In addition, catechins can be used to inhibit the breakdown of collagen and to treat hepatitis and arthritis. Catechins and tannins are both found in green and black teas.
KAEMPFEROLS: Kaempferols stimulate liver detoxification and strengthen the blood vessels. They may also inhibit tumor formation. Strawberries, leeks, kale, broccoli, radishes, endives, and red beets all are good sources of kaempferols, but kaempferols are very common and found in many plants and foods.Naringen may slow the progression of heart disease and visual degeneration in diabetes. It is a potent anticoagulant that keeps the arteries clear and strong to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and the blindness of diabetes. Naringen is an active ingredient of in grapefruits.
Genestein is known to be a regulator of estrogen. It is good for treating disorders of menstruation and menopause. Genestein is found in soybeans and soy products.
SOURCES
Flavonoids are compounds abundant in the rinds and pulp, the white material just beneath the peel of citrus fruits, and other foods containing vitamin C such as soy beans and root vegetables. Peppers, buckwheat, and black currants contain bioflavonoids. Sources of bioflavonoids include apricots, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, oranges, prunes, and rose hips. Other major sources of bioflavonoids include tea, vegetables such as broccoli and eggplant, flaxseed, and whole grains. Bioflavonoids are active ingredients in many herbal remedies. Herbs that contain bioflavonoids include chervil, elderberries, hawthorn berry, horsetail, rose hips, feverfew, ginkgo biloba, licorice root, St. John's wort, echinacea and shepherd's purse. Flavonoids are also found in honey bee-collected pollen.
BIOFLAVONOID DOSAGE
Since bioflavonoids are so widely available in fruits in high concentrations, daily servings of whole fresh fruits and fresh fruit juices should be consumed. Highly concentrated liquid extracts of some fruits are also available.
The standard supplement dosage is 2 to 8 capsules per day, as needed. If you have any questions, consult with your health care provider.
BIOFLAVONOID SAFETY & INTERACTION
There are no known side effects or drug interactions. Since the body does not make bioflavonoids, it is not known how much is too much. Bioflavonoids are usually found in close association with vitamin C, and they enhance its effect. Bioflavonoids are generally safe, even at very high doses. However, pregnant women are advised not to take megadoses of bioflavonoids. Preliminary studies have indicated that there may be a link between infant leukemia and high doses of bioflavonoids in the mother. Bioflavonoids are not toxic, even at high levels. They are water soluble, and therefore, any in excess of what is needed by the body is excreted in the urine. Extremely high doses may cause diarrhea. Follow the directions on the supplements that you obtain, or follow your health care provider's dosage instructions.
MotherNature.com. All About Bioflavonoids
Supplementfacts: All About Bioflavonoids Book Online
BIOFLAVONOID SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Vitamin C Liquid, With Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000 mg, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.
Liquid Vitamin C with Natural Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids is an easy to swallow dietary supplement that exceeds the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
Vitamin C 500 With Bioflavonoids, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 250 Caps
Vitamin C 500 with bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.
Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.
Vision Formula With Lutein & Bilberry, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Vision formula with Lutein & Bilberry Eye Supplement supports normal eye function by utilizing Lutein, a key carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables, which protects the retina by blocking harmful blue light.
Quercetin, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 VCaps
Quercetin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid found in high concentrations in red wine, onions and green tea. Quercetin possesses powerful antioxidant properties and like other bioflavonoids, has the ability to stabilize cell membranes.
Mangosteen Juice (Garcinia Mangostan), Kosher & Vegetarian, Dynamic Health, 32 fl. oz.
Dynamic Health Mangosteen Juice is rich in the Xanthone Antioxidant, and Mangosteen Juice contains naturally occurring minerals, enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients and bioflavonoids and stimulates your body to boost energy.
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 180 Tabs
Nature's Way Ester-C with bioflavonoids is 100% natural calcium ascorbate with biologically active metabolites. These metabolites enhance cellular uptake and retention of Vitamin C.
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs
Nature's Way Ester-C with bioflavonoids is 100% natural calcium ascorbate with biologically active metabolites. These metabolites enhance cellular uptake and retention of Vitamin C.
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Vegetarian, Nature's Way, 500 mg/200 mg, 120 Caps
Nature's Way Ester C with Bioflavonoids is suitable for vegetarians. Ester C is 100% natural Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) with enhanced cellular uptake and retention. Ester C provides antioxidant protection, strengthens collagen, and supports white blood cell function.
Enzogenol, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 60 mg, 60 VCaps
Enzogenol is a powerful formulation of antioxidant bioflavonoids extracted from the bark of the New Zealand Pine (Pinus radiata) that is comparable to flavonoid formulations of other pine bark extracts.
Sytrinol Cholesterol Control Supplement, Natural, 150 mg, 120 Softgels
Sytrinol Natural Cholesterol Supplement, is a patented blend of bioflavonoids, polymethoxylated flavones, and tocotrienols extracted from natural citrus and palm fruits.
Sytrinol Cholesterol Control With Phytosterols, Natural, 60 Softgels
Sytrinol Natural Cholesterol Supplement, is a patented blend of bioflavonoids, polymethoxylated flavones, and tocotrienols extracted from natural citrus and palm fruits.
Sytrinol Cholesterol Control With CoQ10, Natural, 60 Softgels
Sytrinol Cholesterol Control with CoQ10, Natural Cholesterol Supplement is a patented Complex blend of bioflavonoids and tocotrienols extracted from natural citrus and palm fruits.
Sytrinol Cholesterol Control With Fish Oil, All Natural, 120 Softgels
Sytrinol Natural Cholesterol Supplement, is a patented blend of bioflavonoids, polymethoxylated flavones, and tocotrienols extracted from natural citrus and palm fruits.
Herbal Remedies: Bioflavonoids / Vitamin P Information
Herbal Remedies: Bioflavonoids / Vitamin P Supplements & Products
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics - Vitamins Index
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