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Review
. 2023 Jul 23;12(14):2732.
doi: 10.3390/plants12142732.

Flavonoids: Overview of Biosynthesis, Biological Activity, and Current Extraction Techniques

Sergio Liga  1 , Cristina Paul  1 , Francisc Péter  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Flavonoids: Overview of Biosynthesis, Biological Activity, and Current Extraction Techniques

Sergio Liga et al. Plants (Basel). .

Abstract

Recently, increased attention has been paid to natural sources as raw materials for the development of new added-value products. Flavonoids are a large family of polyphenols which include several classes based on their basic structure: flavanones, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanols, and anthocyanins. They have a multitude of biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Current trends of research and development on flavonoids relate to identification, extraction, isolation, physico-chemical characterization, and their applications to health benefits. This review presents an up-to-date survey of the most recent developments in the natural flavonoid classes, the biological activity of representative flavonoids, current extraction techniques, and perspectives.

Keywords: bioactive compounds; biological activity; current extraction techniques; flavonoids; natural compound.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Natural sources of flavonoids, obtaining possibilities, and biological activity [1,2,3,4].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Overview of the main steps of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway [1,2,3,4].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Examples of flavanones.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Examples of flavones.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Examples of isoflavones.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Examples of flavonols.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Examples of flavanols.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Examples of the most common anthocyanins.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Limitations in the bioavailability of flavonoids in the human body.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Main extraction techniques of flavonoids [8,9].
Figure 11
Figure 11
Schematic model of the microwave-assisted extraction apparatus.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Schematic model of the ultrasound-assisted extraction apparatus.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Schematic model of the supercritical fluid extraction apparatus.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Schematic model of the pulsed electric field extraction apparatus.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Inclusion possibilities of flavonoids in various delivery nanosystems.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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