Flavonoid-membrane interactions: possible consequences for biological effects of some polyphenolic compounds
Abstract
Flavonoids are found ubiquitously in higher plants and constitute an important
component of the majority of peoples’ daily diets. The biological activities of
flavonoids cover a very broad spectrum, from anticancer and antibacterial activities
through to inhibition of bone resorption. In the present paper, the interactions
between flavonoids and lipid bilayers as well as biological membranes and
their components are reviewed, with special emphasis on the structure-activity
relationships and mechanisms underlying the biological activity of flavonoids.
Keywords:
component of the majority of peoples’ daily diets. The biological activities of
flavonoids cover a very broad spectrum, from anticancer and antibacterial activities
through to inhibition of bone resorption. In the present paper, the interactions
between flavonoids and lipid bilayers as well as biological membranes and
their components are reviewed, with special emphasis on the structure-activity
relationships and mechanisms underlying the biological activity of flavonoids.