Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
12:50
Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
Effect of plant flavonoids on immune and inflammatory cell function
1Chebeague Island Institute of Natural Product Research, Maine 04017, USA.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|October 22, 1998
Summary
Flavonoids, found in many foods, show potential health benefits. Research indicates these compounds possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, influencing cell activity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
Background:
- Flavonoids are naturally occurring phenylchromones abundant in the Western diet.
- Limited data exists on their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in humans.
- Dietary intake can reach hundreds of milligrams daily.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacological activities and health implications of dietary flavonoids.
- To explore their mechanisms of action on cellular processes.
- To assess their potential as health-promoting and disease-preventing compounds.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro and in vivo experimental data.
- Analysis of enzyme inhibition studies.
- Examination of effects on various cell types and signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Selected flavonoids demonstrate antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant effects.
- Flavonoids exhibit anticancer properties, including anticarcinogenesis and prodifferentiation.
- They inhibit key enzymes involved in cell activation, such as protein kinase C and phospholipase A2.
- Effects are observed primarily in activated cells.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids are absorbed and can reach pharmacologically relevant plasma concentrations.
- They modulate stimulated activities of diverse cell types.
- Plant-derived flavonoids represent promising health-promoting dietary compounds with disease-preventing potential.
Related Concept Videos
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
01:30Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
The inflammatory response is the body's defense against infection, injury, or irritation from bacteria, trauma, toxins, or heat. Inflammation helps locate and destroy pathogens and remove damaged tissue elements to heal the body. During this initial phase, fluid, blood products, and nutrients migrate to the injured area, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, ache, and loss of function. Moreover, signs of systemic inflammation include fever, increased WBC count, malaise, anorexia, nausea,...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
01:28Inflammation: Introduction
Inflammation is a fundamental, protective biological response of vascularized tissues to cellular injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. Its primary function is to eliminate the initial cause of injury, clear necrotic cells and damaged tissue, and initiate the necessary repair processes.Cardinal SignsAcute inflammation presents with classic signs. Redness results from vasodilation and increased blood flow. Heat is due to increased metabolism and circulation. Swelling results from the...