Bioflavonoids are a large family of substances found in most of the same foods that are good sources of vitamin C. In fact, researchers have identified more than 8,000 naturally occurring bioflavonoid structures. Bioflavonoids (also called flavonoids) are the natural pigments that give fruits and vegetables their color.Sometimes bioflavonoids are referred to as "vitamin P," but it has not been proven that these substance meet the requirements to be called a vitamin. Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body. It has not been proven that all bioflavonoids are essential to human health.

Studies of specific bioflavonoids, however, have revealed health benefits. Quercetin, for example, appears to stabilize the membranes of cells that release histamine, a compound involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions. Found in buckwheat and citrus fruits, quercetin may help prevent seasonal allergies.

Rutin, another bioflavonoid, may be useful for the prevention of easy bruising and other bleeding abnormalities. Rutin is found in buckwheat, capers and other plants.And recent research suggests apigenin — a bioflavonoid found in celery, parsley, red wine, tomato sauce and other plant-based foods may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.Bioflavonoids and vitamin C appear to work together in the body. Researchers believe benefits credited solely to vitamin C in the past actually may be due to the combined action of vitamin C and specific bioflavonoids. Some of these combined effects include:

Reduced risk of heart disease

Reduced risk of certain cancers

Certain anti-aging effects

Protection against infections

Strengthened walls of blood vessels

Improved blood circulation

Almost any food containing vitamin C also contains bioflavonoids.

Bilberry, a plant closely related to the blueberry, is the source of bioflavonoids often touted as being good for your eyes. Bilberries are also called huckleberries or whortleberries in some regions.Bilberries and blueberries both contain high amounts of anthocyanins — flavonoid pigments that are powerful antioxidants. Anthocyanins may help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration and help maintain the health of the cornea and blood vessels in various parts of the eye.Researchers also are investigating other potential eye benefits of anthocyanins, including the possibility these and other bioflavonoids may help reduce inflammatory eye disease and diabetic retinopathy.In addition to bilberries and blueberries, other good sources of anthocyanins include acai fruit, cherries, plums, cranberries, raspberries, eggplant, red and purple grapes and red wine.Like vitamin C, bioflavonoids are water-soluble and nontoxic, even at high doses. 

Bioflavonoids are found in the rind of green citrus fruits  and black currants.Bioflavonoids have been used in alternative medicine as an aid to enhance the action of  to support blood circulation, as an antioxidan, viruses, or arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.Not all uses for bioflavonoids have been approved by the FDA. Bioflavonoids should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.Bioflavonoids is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.Bioflavonoids is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.Use bioflavonoids as directed on the label, or as your healthcare provider has prescribed. Do not use this product in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use this product if you are allergic to bioflavonoids or if you have:

Before using bioflavonoids, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use bioflavonoids if you have certain medical conditions.

Do not take bioflavonoids without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether bioflavonoids will be harmful to an unborn baby.

Do not take bioflavonoids without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether bioflavonoids will be harmful to a nursing infant.

Author may submit their manuscripts at : https://www.imedpub.com/submissions/american-pharmacology-pharmacotherapeutics.html

John Mathews

Editorial assistant

American Journal Of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics