Volume : 12, Issue : 5, MAY 2026

FLAVONOIDS: BIOSYNTHESIS, FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL IN PLANTS AND HUMANS

AKASH KUMAR, DR. SURESH NARAYAN BAITHA

Abstract

Flavonoids represent a large and diverse group of polyphenolic compounds produced by plants, where they play essential roles in growth and survival. These compounds are formed through the phenylpropanoid pathway and display considerable structural variation, which contributes to their wide range of functions. In plants, flavonoids are responsible for coloration, protection against various environmental stresses, and defense against pathogens. In addition to their importance in plants, flavonoids have gained attention for their beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio protective, and anticancer activities. This review provides an overview of their biosynthesis, classification, biological functions, and therapeutic potential, while also highlighting limitations such as poor bioavailability and discussing directions for future research.

Article : Download PDF

Cite This Article

IESRJ

International Educational Scientific Research Journal

E-ISSN: 2455-295X

International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal

ISSN: 2455-295X

Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal

Peer-Reviewed Journal

Article No : 6

Number of Downloads : 27

References

1. Panche, A.N., Diwan, A.D., & Chandra, S.R. (2016). Flavonoids: an overview. Journal of Nutritional Science, 5, e47.

2. Kumar, S., & Pandey, A.K. (2013). Chemistry and biological activities of flavonoids. The Scientific World Journal, 2013.

3. Winkel-Shirley, B. (2001). Flavonoid biosynthesis. The Plant Cell, 13, 1079–1092.

4. Pietta, P.G. (2000). Flavonoids as antioxidants. Journal of Natural Products, 63, 1035–1042.

5. Nijveldt, R.J. et al. (2001). Flavonoids: mechanisms of action. Am J Clin Nutr, 74, 418–425.

6. Heim, K.E. et al. (2002). Flavonoid antioxidants. J Nutr Biochem, 13, 572–584.

7. Batra, P., Sharma, A.K. (2013). Anti-cancer potential of flavonoids. Chin J Integr Med.

8. Rodríguez-García, C. et al. (2019). Dietary flavonoids and cardiovascular health. Nutrients.

9. Khan, H. et al. (2021). Flavonoids and neuroprotection. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.

10. Dias, M.C. et al. (2021). Recent advances in flavonoid research. Molecules, 26, 5375.