Flavonols, Cardiovascular/Cerebrovascular Diseases and Cancer

Abstract

Flavonoids are one of the largest and most important class of polyphenols. Many foods with plant origin include these compounds. Flavonoids are classified 6 groups according to their molecular structures. Flavonols are the most active compounds that have wide biological activity in the flavonoid group. In vivo and in vitro studies on flavonols have shown that they have many functions such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, antiatherogenic, anticarcinogenic and antiproliferative functions. Protective activitiesof flavanols have also been demonstrated in studies investigating the relationship between flavonols and cancer and cardiovascular/ cerebrovascular diseases. In this review article, the results of the studies on flavonols, their chemical structures and their effects on cancer and cardiovascular diseases has been evaluated.