An Overview of Flavonoids: A Diverse Group of Bioactive Phytoconstituents

Abstract

Background: Flavonoids are phenolic compounds or plant constituents containing phenol ring and is also known as a polyphenolic compound. Flavonoids have remarkable antioxidant potential, but along with this, they also exhibit a variety of activities through various mechanisms. Flavonoids are classified into six different groups based on their chemical structures and these activities are owed to six different basic structures. In this manuscript, the focus has been paid to two subclasses i.e, Flavonoids and flavanols. Objective: The aim of this review is to highlight the potential of flavonoids in the treatment of various ailments and prospects associated with the delivery of flavonoids. Methods: We reviewed the literature from journal publication websites and electronic databases, such as Bentham, Springer, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, etc. Results: The abundant availability of sources of flavonoids makes a point in favour of exhaustive exploration of this group. Herbals having a high content of flavonoids have been used in the treatment of a number of ailments from ancient times by human beings and these are reported to be having anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant potential. Conclusion: There are a number of health benefits of flavonoids that makes this group of bioactive compounds the most promising and attractive group for researchers. The need of the hour is to explore more efficient extraction processes and advanced delivery systems for such an active and widely distributed class of natural compounds.