flavonoid

noun

fla·​vo·​noid ˈflā-və-ˌnȯid 

: any of a large group of typically biologically active water-soluble plant compounds (such as the anthocyanins and flavones) that include pigments ranging in color from yellow to red to blue and occur especially in fruits, vegetables, and herbs (such as grapes, citrus fruits, peppers, and dill)

Flavonoids are effective scavengers of free radicals in the test tube (in vitro). However, even with very high flavonoid intakes, plasma and intracellular flavonoid concentrations in humans are likely to be 100 to 1000 times lower than concentrations of other antioxidants …

—Jane Higdon

The rich palette of dyes in butterflies' wings are all derived from chemicals called flavonoids, which the insects cannot make themselves and must sequester from their food plants.

—Nicholas Wade

see bioflavonoid

Examples of flavonoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Full-spectrum oils contain all the beneficial compounds found in hemp plants, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor, and its polyphenols and flavonoids reduce inflammation, fight cancer and potentially lower blood pressure. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 10 Feb. 2024

These are similar to the Mediterranean diet but include additional emphasis on certain components in the diet like flavonoids, a group of compounds found in plants, which are shown to lower inflammatory biomakers in the blood. —Erica Jansen, Discover Magazine, 19 Jan. 2024

Fats have an affinity for tannins Red wines typically have more amines, sulfites, flavonoids, and tannins, particularly a phenolic compound with antioxidant properties called resveratrol, also found in grape skins and leaves. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023

Each capsule contains 15mg of CBD, and the proprietary formula includes additional naturally occurring phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found in hemp. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2023

Specifically, manuka honey contains antioxidants called flavonoids and phenolic acids.5 3. —Anthea Levi, Health, 20 Nov. 2023

So, the authors ran a series of enzymatic assays to determine how much different red wine flavonoids inhibited ALDH2. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023

According to Waterhouse, grapes grown with clusters exposed to sunlight can multiply the flavonoid’s presence by four to five times. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

flavone + -oid

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

flavonoid

1 of 2 adjective

fla·​vo·​noid ˈflāv-ə-ˌnȯid  ˈflav- 

: of, relating to, or being a flavonoid

flavonoid

2 of 2 noun

: any of a large group of typically biologically active, water-soluble, plant compounds (such as the flavones) that include pigments ranging in color from yellow to red to blue and occur especially in fruits, vegetables, and herbs (such as grapes, citrus fruits, peppers, and dill)

Tea contains substances called catechins (tea flavonoids) that may protect against heart disease and even cancer.

—UC Berkeley Wellness Newsletter

Flavonoids are effective scavengers of free radicals in the test tube (in vitro). However, even with very high flavonoid intakes, plasma and intracellular flavonoid concentrations in humans are likely to be 100 to 1000 times lower than concentrations of other antioxidants …

—Jane Higdon, An Evidence-Based Approach to Dietary Phytochemicals

Note: Flavonoids are polyphenolic 15-carbon compounds with a basic structure consisting of two benzene rings joined by a chain of 3 carbons.

see bioflavonoid