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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
09:50
Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
Published on: August 14, 2019
How do dietary flavanols improve vascular function? A position paper
Tankred Schewe1, Yvonne Steffen, Helmut Sies
1Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, D-40001 Duesseldorf, Germany.
Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
|March 25, 2008
Summary
Dietary flavanols, like (-)-epicatechin, enhance vascular endothelial function by preserving nitric oxide (NO) levels. This occurs through inhibiting NADPH oxidase, reducing oxidative stress, and improving cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- High-flavanol diets and (-)-epicatechin improve vascular endothelial function.
- Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is key to vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms by which (-)-epicatechin enhances endothelial function.
- To investigate the role of NO metabolism and NADPH oxidase in flavanol action.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of human endothelial cells to (-)-epicatechin.
- Measurement of cellular NO and cyclic GMP levels.
- Assessment of protection against oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase activity.
Main Results:
- (-)-Epicatechin elevated cellular NO and cyclic GMP levels.
- Flavanol O-methylation and apocynin-like inhibition of NADPH oxidase were observed.
- Superoxide and peroxynitrite generation decreased, preserving NO levels.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial NO metabolism, not general antioxidant activity, is a primary target of dietary flavanols.
- NADPH oxidase is a crucial site of action for flavanols.
- Flavonoid glucuronides may act as plasma transport metabolites.
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