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

The small-but-mighty seeds are excellent sources of fiber, antioxidants, and flavonoids which can help fight inflammation and prevent disease. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2023

During the extraction process, flavonoids and terpenes are removed from the cannabis plant to produce CBD isolate. —The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Sep. 2023

These products contain not only cannabidiol (CBD) but also other beneficial compounds found in hemp plants such as terpenes and flavonoids. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Sep. 2023

By using full-spectrum CBD oil, Verma Farms retains all the beneficial compounds found in hemp, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Aug. 2023

Licorice extract: Contains concentrations of flavonoids, which equip the skin with antioxidant properties, and works to neutralize free radicals that are present. —Kristine Thomason, Glamour, 8 Aug. 2023

The flavonoids found in melon have anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-stabilizing, and immune-boosting properties. —Alyssa Jung, Good Housekeeping, 27 July 2023

Meticulously crafted, this product boasts a full spectrum blend of valuable compounds, including CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2023

This potent formula owes its effectiveness to a combination of flavonoids, alkaloids, and various other antioxidant compounds, working synergistically to deliver remarkable results. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 July 2023

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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