Flavonoids-membrane interactions: consequences for biological actions

S. V. VERSTRAETEN; C. G. FRAGA; P. I. OTEIZA

Plant Phenolics and Human Health: Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Pharmacology

JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD

Lugar: New Jersey; Año: 2010; p. 107 - 136

Abstract Given the number and variety of flavonoids present in edible plants, the study of the mechanisms underlying their beneficial health effects gained interest in the last years. The interaction of flavonoids with cell membrane components can have a major impact on multiple biochemical processes that occur at the membrane level including the modulation of enzyme activities, receptor-ligand binding, solute transport across membranes, cell signaling, and neurotransmission. The interaction of flavonoids with membranes will depend on flavonoids chemical structure, conformation, and physicochemical characteristics. This chapter summarizes current understanding of the mechanisms of flavonoid-membrane interactions and the biological consequences of flavonoid interactions with the major membrane components, i.e. lipids and proteins, on membrane-associated vital processes.