Bioflavonoids, also known as vitamin P, are not really vitamins. Bioflavonoids refer to naturally occurring compounds such as hesperin, hesperidin, eriodictyol, quercetin, rutin and the pro-cyanidins found in red wine. Bioflavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments that have anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antiallergenic and anti-carcinogenic properties, according to "Bioflavonoids." Additionally, bioflavonoids function best when taken with vitamin C.
Bioflavonoids Functions
Bioflavonoids have antioxidants properties and have the capacity to remove the free radicals your body ingests from exercise, pollution, smoking and other environmental factors. Additionally, according to "Flavonoids in Health and Disease," bioflavonoids have an antibacterial effect, improve circulation in your body, stimulate bile production, lower cholesterol levels and can treat and prevent cataracts. Further, bioflavonoids promote non-specific actions of your immune system and help strengthen and reduce the permeability of your blood vessel walls.
Further Uses
According to "Bioflavonoids," the bioflavonoid quercetin, a preparation of eucalyptus and citrus bioflavonoids, can exert an antihistaminic effect that can benefit individuals with chronic allergies. Additionally, quercetin can inhibit the formation of cataracts induced by steroids, diabetes and radiation. Pycnogenol, a proprietary mixture of water-soluble bioflavonoids extracted from French maritime pine, has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit individuals with asthma by improving pulmonary function while reducing the need for asthma medications.
Other Benefits
According to "Bioflavonoids," you can use the bioflavonoid rutin to treat chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, poor circulation, oral herpes, cirrhosis and low-serum calcium. You can use the bioflavonoid hesperidin to treat some of the symptoms of menopause, herpes, the flu and some respiratory ailments. Ellagic acid, another bioflavonoid, reduces the toxic effects produced by fungi and molds. The bioflavonoids catechins and tannins can stimulate detoxification in your liver and strengthen your blood vessels.
Sources and Dosage
The specific dosage of any bioflavonoid supplement varies, depending on the bioflavonoids in the supplement and the condition you want to treat. However, according to "Bioflavonoids," the recommended starting dose for many bioflavonoids is 500 mg per day. You can get bioflavonoids naturally in the pulp of citrus fruits and other foods that contain vitamin C, including green tea, red wine, onions, apples, grapefruit seeds, and other fruits and berries.
References
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel; 2002
- "Bioflavonoids"; Earl Mindell;1998
- "Flavonoids in Health and Disease, Second Edition (Antioxidants in Health and Disease)"; Catherine A. Rice-Evans and Lester Packer; 2003
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