What are flavones?

Like flavanols, flavones are also part of an important subgroup of flavonoids. Flavones, as they are often called, play a prominent role in this subgroup of flavonoids.

But to better understand what flavones are, it is first essential to know what makes flavonoids so special. After all, they are an essential part of the phytochemicals contained in hemp.

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What is the role of flavonoids?

Whenever we go grocery shopping, the first thing that catches our eye is the fruit and vegetable aisle. This is largely due to the fact that there is a wide variety of colors ranging from reddish shades to purple colors. Not many people know that the coloration of all these fruits and vegetables is due to a specific type of compound: flavonoids.

As stated at the beginning, flavonoids are microscopic phytonutrients found in the peel and outer layer of fruits, vegetables, and plants. The interesting thing about this is that each color represents a different flavonoid. They also help attract pollinators, filter ultraviolet light, and even protect against disease.

The good news is that everything seems to indicate that the protective qualities of flavonoids could also be transferred to humans. That is, scientists have discovered that when we incorporate foods containing flavonoids into our diet, these compounds provide us with antioxidants.

It must be said, however, that there are more than 6,000 flavonoids, including flavones. Because of this it is impossible to say with certainty how all flavonoids interact in our body, nor what purpose they serve.

Despite this and because of the role flavonoids could play in promoting general well-being, not to mention their lack of toxicity, there is really nothing to lose, and much to gain by choosing to incorporate them into your diet.

What are flavones?

Now that we know a little more about flavonoids, it’s time to talk about flavones. It is important to note that a flavone is central to the flavonoid subgroup.

The main difference between flavones and other flavonoid subgroups has to do with their molecular structure. And not only that, this type of flavonoids are very abundant in plants with white or cream flowers. They even play a role as natural pesticides, while helping to regulate bacteria as well as fungi in the roots of plants.

Of course, there are many sources of flavone-containing foods that provide different health benefits.

In which plants are flavones found?

First it is worth mentioning that flavones are classified as colorless. However, they have the ability to influence plant pigment, along with other chemical compounds.

In addition, and although there are several types of flavones, the most common are:

O-glycosides of apigenin. They can be found in plants and herbs such as chamomile flower, parsley leaves, chicory, and mint.
C-glycosides of apigenin. In this case they are present in rooibos tea, tangerine juice, bergamot juice, wheat grains, and chickpeas.
Luteolin. These flavones are found in hawthorn, sap, fenugreek seed, kiwi, and Chinese celery.

What does the research say about flavones?

Las investigaciones sobre las flavonas han progresado mucho al punto que ha sido posible aislar varios flavones. A pesar de ello, la influencia de las flavonas sobre nuestro organismo sigue siendo desconocida. En la actualidad se analiza la biodisponibilidad, el metabolismo, y la absorción de las flavonas.

Los primeros resultados indican que los flavones tienen una afectación directa sobre el estrés oxidativo. Los estudios también han revelado que afectan el riesgo cardiovascular, así como la señalización proinflamatoria.

En un ensayo clínico aleatorio con flavonoides micronizados se han obtenido resultados positivos. La prueba consistió en que cincuenta pacientes fueron tratados con flavonoides para determinar el efecto que tienen dichos compuestos sobre el sangrado de las hemorroides internas.

La investigación concluyó que los pacientes que recibieron flavonoides experimentaron un rápido cese de sangrado. Incluso también presentaban un riesgo menor de recaída. Otro estudio realizado en 1999, demostró que el perejil parece influir en parte, sobre las enzimas y biomarcadores en el daño oxidativo.

En dicho estudio se utilizó el perejil, el cual se sabe es una fuente rica en apigenina, con el objetivo de analizar el efecto de esta flavona sobre el estrés oxidativo. Por otra parte, en un estudio en vitro sobre la señalización proinflamatorio, y el impacto de los flavones, se concluyó que dichos compuestos tienen la capacidad de inhibir la expresión del gen inflamatorio.

Se logró demostrar que tanto la luteolina, como la apigenina, fueron capaces de bloquear las vías de actividad, demostrando con ello una diversidad funcional, aunque se requiere de más investigación al respecto.

Should I consume flavones?

Flavonoids are very abundant in different types of foods and teas. Many scientists believe that the effects of these antioxidants on the body are numerous. However, research on the specific types of flavonoids, including flavones, is relatively new.

In fact, many of these studies have been declared inconclusive, although others appear to have promising indications that flavones may offer positive health benefits.

Benefits of flavones

In general it has to be said that antioxidants can help us get rid of free radicals, which are often linked to cancer. In addition, flavones would have the ability to prevent high estrogen levels. Flavones can achieve this effect because they can slow down the production of aromatase.

Aromatase is a key enzyme in estrogen biosynthesis. Because of this, many researchers are convinced that flavones may possibly decrease the risk of not only breast cancer, but also prostate cancer.

In addition, we must not forget that high estrogen levels can lead to weight gain. Even incorporating it into the diet could have a positive effect on reducing body mass index.