Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant compounds that belong to the larger class of phytonutrients known as polyphenols.
They are widely distributed in various fruits, vegetables, herbs, and beverages like tea and wine.
Flavonoids are responsible for the vibrant colors of many plant tissues, such as the red, blue, and purple hues in berries
and the yellow and orange tones in citrus fruits.
There are more than 6,000 known flavonoids, and they can be categorized into
several subclasses based on their chemical structures, including flavonols,
flavones, flavanones, flavan-3-ols (catechins), anthocyanins, and isoflavones.
Flavonoids are known for their potential health benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
They scavenge harmful free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells. By neutralizing free radicals,
flavonoids help protect the body's cells from oxidative damage and contribute to overall health and well-being.
Examples of some flavonoids found in herbal leaf extracts are listed below:
Quercetin -
It is one of the most abundant flavonoids found in plants and is widely distributed in herbal leaves.
It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin-rich herbs include onions, kale, broccoli, and green tea.
Kaempferol - Found in various herbs and leafy vegetables like kale, spinach,
and tea leaves. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been associated with potential benefits for heart health and cancer
prevention.
Apigenin - This is commonly found in chamomile, parsley, and celery leaves.
Apigenin has been studied for its potential to inhibit cancer cell growth, promote relaxation, and support sleep quality.
Luteolin - This flavonoid is present in certain herbal leaves such as thyme,
peppermint, and celery. It has been investigated for its potential neuroprotective effects and immune-modulating properties.
Rutin - A flavonoid glycoside that can be found in herbs like buckwheat,
as well as citrus fruits and other plant sources. It is known for its antioxidant properties and has been studied for its potential benefits
in strengthening blood vessels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Examples of some flavonoids found in bark are listed below:
Quercetin -
This is one of the most abundant flavonoids found in plants and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is found in the bark of some trees, such as oak.
Rutin - Also known as rutoside, rutin is a flavonoid that is
found in numerous plant species, including the bark of some trees. Rutin is known for its antioxidant properties and potential
benefits for blood vessel health.
Epicatechin - This is a type of flavan-3-ol, a subclass of flavonoids,
found in a variety of plants including the bark of certain tree species. Epicatechin
has been researched for its potential cardiovascular benefits.
Kaempferol - This flavonoid is found in a variety of plant foods and
in the bark of some trees. It is known for its antioxidant properties and has been studied for potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
Proanthocyanidins - Also known as condensed tannins, these complex flavonoids
are found in many plants, including tree bark. They're known for their antioxidant properties and contribute to the astringent qualities of
many plant foods.
Examples of some flavonoids found in roots are listed below:
Isoflavones -
These compounds are particularly rich in the roots of leguminous plants, especially soybeans.
They function as phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can interact with estrogen receptors in animals and humans.
Isoflavones are studied for potential benefits in alleviating symptoms of menopause, protecting against certain cancers, and promoting heart health.
Hesperidin - This flavanone glycoside is found in the roots of citrus trees,
among other plant parts. Hesperidin is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential cardiovascular benefits.
Puerarin - An isoflavone found in the root of the kudzu vine (Pueraria lobata).
It has been investigated for numerous potential health benefits, including effects on cardiovascular health, diabetes, and neurological conditions.
Epimedin - Found in the roots of the Epimedium plant (also known as Horny goat weed),
these flavonoids are used in traditional Chinese medicine and are being studied for potential benefits in bone health.
Liquiritin - This is a flavone found in the roots of the licorice plant
(Glycyrrhiza glabra). It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has also been studied for potential neuroprotective effects.
Curcumin - This polyphenolic compound is found in the roots of the
turmeric plant (Curcuma longa). It is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is being researched for potential benefits
in a wide range of conditions, from cancer to neurological diseases.
Examples of some flavonoids found in flowers are listed below:
Anthocyanins -
As one of the most common types of flavonoids, anthocyanins give flowers their red, purple, and blue pigments.
The coloration helps to attract pollinators to the flowers.
They are found in a wide variety of flowers such as petunias, roses, violets, and pansies. Click here to
read more about anthocyanins.
Flavones -
Flavones are less colorful than anthocyanins, but they are crucial to the plant's interaction with the environment.
They help in regulating cellular activity and fighting off microbial infections. They also contribute to the subtle coloration of white or
pale yellow flowers.
Flavonols - In flowers, flavonols can influence petal color, particularly in
enhancing the colors produced by other pigments. For instance, they can modify the color of anthocyanin pigments
from a true blue to a more purplish-blue.
Chalcones and Aurones -
These flavonoids provide the bright yellow colors found in many flowers such as sunflowers, and daisies.
Examples of some flavonoids in fruits and vegatables
are listed below:
Flavonols -
The most common flavonoids, they are found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Onions,
kale, leeks, broccoli, apples, berries, and tea are all rich in flavonols.
Flavan-3-ols - This group includes catechins,
which are found in high amounts in green tea, apples, berries, and cocoa (chocolate).
Flavanones -
Found in citrus fruits, these flavonoids have been linked to a lower risk of stroke.
Anthocyanins -
These give red, blue, and purple fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. Berries, red onions, kidney beans,
pomegranates, and grapes are all high in anthocyanins.
Isoflavones -
Found in soy products, these flavonoids have estrogen-like effects and may help reduce symptoms of menopause and prevent osteoporosis.
Flavones -
Found in parsley, thyme, celery, and hot peppers, they are less common but still contribute to a healthy diet.
Examples of some flavonoids in seeds
are listed below:
Flavonols -
Flavonols are often found in high amounts in seeds. Examples include quercetin and kaempferol,
which have been studied for their potential health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Isoflavones -
Soybean seeds are rich in isoflavones like genistein and daidzein. They have been studied for their potential benefits to
heart health and hormone regulation.
Flavan-3-ols - These include compounds like catechins,
which are found in certain seeds like grape seeds and have antioxidant properties.
Flavanones -
Examples of flavones in seeds include apigenin in celery seeds, luteolin in parsley seeds, and tricetin and
tricin in chia seeds.
Proanthocyanidins -
Also known as condensed tannins, these are complex flavonoid polymers found in many types of seeds, including grape seeds and cranberry seeds.
They have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The extraction process, including the solvents and methods used, can influence the concentration and types of flavonoids present in the final extract.
It is often the case that a balance needs to be found between fully-extracting all flavonoids while also ensuring that the compounds that are
obtained are of a high quality and not degraded.
At Celignis we have extensive experience in the design and optimisation of extraction protocols for a wide variety of chemical constituents from
many different biomass types. If needed we can also work on processes to separate and purify the target compounds.
Click here to read more about Celignis's Bioprocess Development Services for the extraction of
chemicals from biomass.
Celignis is a Partner in 3 Successful Proposals for EU Funding
We are pleased to announce that three of the proposals involving Celignis, submitted to the CBE-JU programme for funding collaborative biomass research in Europe, were successful. These projects will provide an additional funding of €1.5m to Celignis and build on our achievements in other CBE and EU projects. In particular, the projects are all at enhanced TRLs (6/7) and will use our existing Celignis Bioprocess infrastructure and will also fund further development of our bioprocessing capacities and the Bioprocess Development Services we offer our clients.
Details on the funded projects are provided below:
BIONEER - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-06 and focuses on the TRL 6/7 production of biobased platform chemicals. Celignis's activities in the project focus on scaling up the work undertaken in our ongoing
Celignis to Exhibit and Present at Major Biochar Event
The 2024 North American Biochar Conference will take place in Sacramento, California, on Feb 12-15
On Feb 12-15 we'll be exhibiting at the 2024 North American Biochar Conference, taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Centre in Sacramento, California.
We're looking forward to interacting with the 1000+ expected attendees, outlining our extensive range of analytical and application testing services for biochar.
Celignis CIO Lalitha Gottumukkala will also be a member of the expert panel focused on developing improved laboratory methods for biochar characterisation.
This Networking Event Will Involve Discussions on Collaborations for Proposals to the 2024 CBE-JU Topics
The Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) is an organisation that funds biomass research in Europe at various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Since 2016 Celignis has been an active participant in a number of projects funded by the CBE-JU.
The Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC) is the steering committee that helps to steer the focus of research for the CBE-JU programme. In 2023 Celignis joined the BIC as a Full Industry Member and participated in several proposals submitted for different research topics in the CBE-JU's 2023 Work Programme.
We're Hiring - Business Administration & Client Relationship Manager
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships.
Situated in Limerick, Ireland, Celignis currently operates at two centres, Celignis Analytical and Celignis Bioprocess, actively engaging in a variety of private and public bioeconomy projects. As we continue to expand, we're looking to strengthen our team of 14 with a Business Administration and Client Relationship Manager who can bring a blend of enthusiasm and expertise.
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships, and ensuring successful delivery of our services, playing a key role in our ongoing growth and success.
Celignis to Sponsor and Present at Major Biochar Event
The event takes place on May 3rd at Carrick-on-Shannon
We are pleased to announce that, on May 3rd, Celignis will be presenting and exhibiting at the National Biochar and Carbon Products Conference 2023, which is taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrm, Ireland.
This conference is being organised under the auspices of the Interreg Northwest Europe-funded THREE C Project, entitled 'Creating and sustaining Charcoal value chains to promote a Circular Carbon economy in NWE Europe'.
The conference will highlight both Irish stakeholders who are currently working in the biochar and carbon products sector, but also partners from the THREE C project (covering Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France and Wales, as well as Ireland) who have interesting stories and products to share.
Thanks for contacting us. One of our representatives will be in contact with you shortly regarding your inquiry. If you ever have any questions that require immediate assistance, please call us at +353 61 371 725.
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