Bio- Who??  Bioflavonoids, That’s Who!

Most of us are familiar with Vitmins A, B, C, D, and E, but how about Vitamin P, now known as Bioflavonoids?  In the mid 1930’s a Hungarian scientist, Szent-Gyorgi, isolated an ingredient of citrus rind which he showed contained a mixture of chemicals he called flavonoids that were similar to Vitamin C.  He was involved in early research on Vitamin C and its role in the prevention of scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency) and subsequently was awarded a Nobel Prize for his research.  He named his discovery Vitamin P for its ability to reduce vascular permeability (bleeding), one of the symptoms of scurvy.  At that time there was not enough proof that Vitamin P was essential to reverse a deficiency to be called a vitamin, so the name was dropped and these compounds were referred to simply as “flavonoids.”  Since that time, however, modern researchers have conducted numerous studies on this group of, as we now know, truly essential supplements to health.  Dr. Michael Murray cites 76 journal articles published by bioflavonoid researchers around the world in his book Encyclopedia Of Nutritional Supplements.  Many of these document scientifically performed studies of how bioflavonoids, frequently in association with Vitamin C, not only are essential in preventing the symptoms/conditions associated with scurvy, but also have potent anti-oxidant and anti-allergic properties.

What Are They?

Bioflavonoids are group of naturally occurring pigments found in many fruits, vegetables, grains and flowers.  To date, there are over 4000 of these “biochemicals” that have been studied and classified.  These pigments are usually yellow or orange in color, thus the name “flavonoids,” derived from the Latin flavus meaning yellow.  There are four basic chemical groups of bioflavonoids – proanthocyanidin polymers, quercetin, citrus bioflavonoids and green tea polyphenols. 

Proanthocyanidin polymers are two or more proanthocyanidin molecules hooked together.  It seems that these chains of molecules greatly increase the positive effects of proanthocyanidin alone. One benefit of these polymers is their support and protection of collagen – the connective tissue found in the body.  Collagen is found in the skin, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.  Proanthocyanidin polymers also have potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.  Free radicals are destructive to all cells in the body. Sources:  Commercially prepared grape seed extract and foods such as peaches, apples, purple plums, strawberries, tea and red wine

Quercetin is an orange-colored flavonoid that can be found alone, or as part of the citrus bioflavonoids (next paragraph).  Some of the benefits associated with quercetin supplementation are its ability to inhibit histamine production and other allergic and inflammatory responses in the body.  It also has antioxidant and potent antiviral properties.  Sources:  Commercially prepared quercetin powder in capsule form and foods such as oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, onions, parsley, and sage.

Citrus Bioflavonoids are a group of flavonoids that include naringin, rutin, hesperidin and quercitrin.  All these have as their molecular “backbone” quercetin.  It is the different molecules that are attached to this backbone that make these bioflavonoids structurally different.  Citrus bioflavonoids have a synergistic effect on Vitamin C and seem to be necessary for the body to properly use it.  These bioflavonoids are known for their ability, along with Vitamin C, to strengthen capillaries, reducing their permeability (bleeding), minimizing bruising and preventing edema (leaking of fluid into the tissues).  Sources:  Rutin and hesperidin are found in all citrus fruits, particularly the rind and “white” part.  Naringin is found in grapefruit and is responsible for the sometimes bitter taste. Commercially prepared, they are available in capsule form.  A word of caution – do not take citrus bioflavonoids or consume grapefruit or its juice with certain drugs known as calcium channel blockers,  coumadin or estrogen

Green Tea polyphenols are derived from the leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.  Black tea is the leaves from the same plant, but the difference is in how the leaves are processed.  Leaves for green tea are steamed, destroying enzymes that break down the beneficial polyphenols found in the leaves, thereby preserving them.  Black tea comes from leaves that are allowed to become oxidized, allowing the enzymes to break down the polyphenols.  The flavonoids in green tea are catechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate and proanthocyanidins.  The most active of these is the epigallocatechin gallate.  Green tea polyphenols are powerful antioxidants, but also are thought to enhance the antioxidant and detoxifying effects of several enzymes in the intestines, liver and lungs.  One of most promising effects of green tea polyphenols is in their protective action against cancer.  It is proposed that green tea’s vast popularity in Japan could be a major factor in the low incidence of cancer in the population there.  This, however, needs much more research.  Sources:  Commercially prepared green tea extract in capsule form and brewed green tea.  One downside of brewed tea is that, unless decaffeinated, there may be unpleasant effects associated with caffeine such as nervousness or insomnia. 

Choose at least five servings of a variety of fruits, vegetables and beverages per day that contain bioflavonoids.  All the commercially prepared supplement forms of bioflavonoids are available at health food stores including mine.  We suggest you consult a knowledgeable health food retailer with experience in choosing the appropriate bioflavonoid supplement for you and your goals.

Health is not everything, but without spiritual and physical health, everything is nothing. Until next time we meet – may God Bless you with good health, with a little help from you!

The information in these columns is for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please consult your physician for any serious condition.

Len Rossi, ND has been a proponent of Natural Healing for 30 years. After a 25-year career as a pro wrestler, Len earned his Doctor Of Naturopathy degree in 1982 and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.