A review of flavonoid quercetin: Metabolism, Bioactivity and antioxidant properties
Flavonoids belong to a category of polyphenolic com p unds that are produced exclusively in plants. These compounds are able to bring about various bio logical and pharmacological activities in animal ce l s. It is generally believed that most mammals need to consum e polyphenols from plants due to their antioxidant properties in order to stay healthy. The antioxidan ts are essential for protecting the cells from unde rgoing chemical damage due to oxidation. Many compounds ar e known to have both antioxidant and pro oxidant properties. The pro oxidant properties can either b e favourable or detrimental to biological systems a nd can affect the progress of chronic diseases in human be ings. Quercetin, the most plentiful flavonoid, acts as both an antioxidant and a pro oxidant. Currently, there is no reliable method for maintaining a balance betwee n th se two activities in the whole organism. Therefore, th is review focuses on Metabolism, bioactivity and both the antioxidant and pro oxidant effects of flavonoids.