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Review
. 2022 Jan 22;27(3):719.
doi: 10.3390/molecules27030719.

Flavanols from Nature: A Phytochemistry and Biological Activity Review

Yu Luo  1 , Yuqing Jian  1 , Yingkai Liu  1 , Sai Jiang  1 , Daniyal Muhammad  1 , Wei Wang  1
Affiliations
Review

Flavanols from Nature: A Phytochemistry and Biological Activity Review

Yu Luo et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Flavanols, a common class of secondary plant metabolites, exhibit several beneficial health properties by acting as antioxidant, anticarcinogen, cardioprotective, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and neuroprotective agents. Furthermore, some flavanols are considered functional ingredients in dairy products. Based on their structural features and health-promoting functions, flavanols have gained the attention of pharmacologists and botanists worldwide. This review collects and summarizes 121 flavanols comprising four categories: flavan-3-ols, flavan-4-ols, isoflavan-4-ols, and flavan-3,4-ols. The research of the various structural features and pharmacological activities of flavanols and their derivatives aims to lay the groundwork for subsequent research and expect to provide mentality and inspiration for the research. The current study provides a starting point for further research and development.

Keywords: biological activities; flavanols; flavonoids; natural products.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Basic skeletons of flavanols.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Plant sources of 121 flavanols (Families and species and the corresponding quantity of compounds).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Structures of flavan-3-ols.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Structures of flavan-3-ols.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Structures of flavan-3-ols.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Structures of flavan-4-ols.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Structures of isoflavan-4-ols.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Structures of flavan-3,4-ols.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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MeSH terms