Bioflavonoids comprise a diverse class of compounds with antioxidant
activity. They are found naturally in the leaves, bark, roots,
flowers, and seeds of plants.
Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in the pith of unripe citrus fruits;
chemically a complex of glucose and rhamnose with the flavonone
hesperin. At one time it was called vitamin P, since it affects the
fragility of the capillary walls. However, it is not technically
considered a vitamin.
Rutin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant pigments called
flavonoids. It is the disaccharide derivative of quercetin, containing
glucose and rhamnose. Found in grains, tomato stalk, and elderberry
blossom. A variety of evidence indicates that rutin possesses potent
antioxidant properties.
Quercetin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant pigments called
flavonoids. A variety of evidence indicates that quercetin possesses
potent antioxidant properties.
The antioxidant activities of bioflavonoids complement, extend, and
sometimes synergize the antioxidant activities of vitamin C, vitamin
E, and carotenoids. As such, bioflavonoids represent an important
nutritional component in the body's defenses against free radical
damage.
References:
Wolfe K, Wu X, Liu RH J Antioxidant activity of apple peels. Agric
Food Chem 2003 Jan 29;51(3):609-14.
Rice-Evans CA, Miller NJ, Paganga G. Structure-antioxidant activity
relationships of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Free Radical Biol and
Med 1996;20:933-56.
Good Health!