Bioflavonoids

Description:

The deep red, yellow, blue, and green colors of many flowers and plants are due to their bioflavonoid content. Bioflavonoids include proanthocyanidins, anthocyanidins, pycnogenol, quercetin, rutin, hesperidin, citrus bioflavonoids and green tea polyphenols and are sometimes referred to as vitamin P.

Plants/Foods:

Berries
Cherries
Citrus fruits
Grapes
Green tea
Onions
Parsley
Red wine
Rose hips
Sage
Yellow, red and green vegetables

Physiologic Functions:

Adjuvant to vitamin C
Antiallergic
Anti-inflammatory
Antiviral
Collagen crosslinking
Modifies the body's response to foreign compounds, allergens, carcinogens, viruses
Prevents free radical and oxidative damage
Protects and preserves the structure of capillary blood vessel integrity
Stimulates bile production

Clinical Indications:

Allergies
Asthma
Diabetic retinopathy
Hemorrhoids
Herpes simplex
Macular degeneration
Menopause
Aging
Cancer prevention
Capillary fragility
Cardiovascular disease
Chronic degenerative diseases
Metorrhagias
Sports injuries and trauma
Varicose vein

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

None known

Causes of Deficiencies:

None known

Contraindications:

See "Interactions" below

Toxicity and Side Effects:

Citrus bioflavonoids: very well tolerated
Green tea polyphenols: rarely produces stimulant side effects
Proanthocyanidins: very well tolerated
Quercetin: very well tolerated but slight allergic reactions have rarely been reported

Drug/Nutrient Interactions:

Naringin containing citrus bioflavonoids, like grapefruit, may increase the bioavailability of nifedipine, verapramil, felodipine, and terfenadine and inhibit the breakdown of caffeine, estrogens, and coumarin