Flavonoids: a review of probable mechanisms of action and potential applications

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Abstract
The aim of this review, a summary of the putative biological actions of flavonoids, was to obtain a further understanding of the reported beneficial health effects of these substances. Flavonoids occur naturally in fruit, vegetables, and beverages such as tea and wine. Research in the field of flavonoids has increased since the discovery of the French paradox,ie, the low cardiovascular mortality rate observed inMediterranean populations in association with red wine consumptionand a high saturated fat intake. Several other potentialbeneficial properties of flavonoids have since been ascertained.We review the different groups of known flavonoids, the probablemechanisms by which they act, and the potential clinicalapplications of these fascinating natural substances.