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Global Translational Medicine Impact of flavonoids on vascular health

encouraging findings, endothelial function exhibited no atherosclerosis. The observed antiplatelet effects further
discernible alterations, and a paradoxical slight increase in contribute to the overall cardiovascular benefits attributed
TNF-α levels was noted in response to quercetin treatment. to flavonoids. While the literature consistently suggests a
Importantly, genotype-dependent effects were exclusively favorable role for flavonoids in cardiovascular health, it
145
discerned in waist circumference and body mass index. is crucial to acknowledge the diversity within this class
The multifaceted impact of quercetin was underscored by of compounds and their varied effects across different
its manifestation of several salutary effects on BP and lipid subclasses and sources. Moreover, genotype-dependent
profile. Nevertheless, this positive trajectory was tempered responses, as exemplified in the case of quercetin, add a
by the observation of mildly proinflammatory actions layer of complexity to the understanding of flavonoid
associated with its administration. interactions within the cardiovascular system. As research
In studies involving enriched foods and complex in this field advances, continued exploration into the
flavonoid mixtures, a double-blind, randomized controlled molecular mechanisms underlying flavonoid actions,
trial with 93 postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes their optimal dosages, and potential synergies with other
mellitus investigated the effects of daily administration of therapeutic interventions is warranted. Such endeavors will
27 g flavonoid-enriched chocolate (90 mg epicatechin + contribute to a more nuanced comprehension of flavonoids’
100 mg isoflavones, aglycone equivalents/day) or placebo. role in vascular health and inform the development of
The treatment did not impact intima-media thickness targeted strategies for mitigating cardiovascular disorders.
in the carotid artery but did improve pulse pressure In light of the promising findings, flavonoids emerge
variability. Notably, in patients with pulse wave velocity as promising candidates for further investigation and
data, a more substantial improvement was observed, potential incorporation into preventive and therapeutic
corresponding to a 10% reduction in cardiovascular risk. approaches for CVDs.
These findings suggested clinically relevant enhancements Acknowledgments
in arterial stiffness, likely beneficial for atherosclerotic
patients experiencing arterial stiffness. 146 None.
In a randomized, double-blind experiment, a combination Funding
of pure anthocyanins was administered to 150 participants
diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, a recognized risk None.
factor for atherosclerosis. The participants received a daily Conflict of interest
dose of anthocyanins for 24 weeks. Anthocyanins caused
serum levels of VCAM-1, C-reactive protein, and plasma The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
IL-1β to drop. Furthermore, following the treatment, there
were notable reductions in LDL cholesterol and increases in Author contributions
HDL cholesterol. Additional experiments conducted in vitro Conceptualization: Sadettin Demirel
using different anthocyanins revealed additive or possibly Writing – original draft: All authors
synergistic anti-inflammatory properties. The observed Writing – review & editing: All authors
147
modifications in lipid profiles and inflammatory markers
suggest a potential decrease in the risk of atherosclerosis in Ethics approval and consent to participate
individuals treated with anthocyanins, particularly those Not applicable.
with high cholesterol levels.
Consent for publication
6. Conclusion
Not applicable.
This review provides a comprehensive examination of
the impact of flavonoids on vascular activity, antiplatelet Availability of data
effects, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. The collective
evidence presented underscores the multifaceted nature Not applicable.
of flavonoids, highlighting their potential as bioactive References
compounds with significant implications for cardiovascular
health. The studies reviewed consistently demonstrate 1. Rana A, Samtiya M, Dhewa T, Mishra V, Aluko RE. Health
the ability of flavonoids to modulate vascular activity, benefits of polyphenols: A concise review. J Food Biochem.
showcasing their potential to enhance endothelial function 2022;46(10):e14264.
and ameliorate factors associated with hypertension and doi: 10.1111/jfbc.14264

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2024) 14 doi: 10.36922/gtm.2458