Flavonoids: Secondary Metabolites with Multifunctional Biological Properties

Dear Colleagues,

Flavonoids are promising secondary metabolites with several biological properties. The search for molecules which are able to increase organism wellness and to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases is starting to shed light on this class of compounds, along with their low toxicity and side effects. Significant progress has been made over the past few decades as far as the promising properties of flavonoids are concerned, but a lot must still be investigated due to the unquestionable link of these molecules with the well-being of organisms (both the producers and the consumers). There is an abundant class of secondary metabolites present in fruits and vegetables and their agro-industrial transformation products (such as beverages, soft and energy drinks, jams, and so on). These compounds can modulate the intracellular signal cascade and, in addition to their antioxidant activity, they can be utilized to promote cell survival or death with a well-defined target of action. USDA, NIH and several other government and health agencies encourage people to eat a variegated and healthy balanced diet, mainly rich in fruits and vegetables, taking into account the potential health promoting properties of the natural compounds present in these complex matrices. Among these molecules, flavonoids are one of the most interesting and representative molecules, produced by plants to enhance their wellness and to overcome environmental and biological stresses. These molecules, for instance, protect plants against fungi and insects’ infections, or from UV radiation, changes in salinity, or temperature. Taken together, these characteristics make the daily assumptions of vegetables a natural defence weapon to maintain the organisms in a healthy state. Plants are complex matrices of flavonoids, and their synergistic action can further increase their potentiality on living organisms, occasionally with effects which are difficult to obtain with pure compounds. Moreover, they showed inhibitory or stimulatory effects on key metabolic enzymes influencing gene expressions, cellular properties and signaling pathways.  This Special Issue aims to collect the recent update on biological potentials and identify novel compounds belonging to this class of molecules. Therefore, it can be considered a landmark for experts in the field.

Prof. Dr. Davide Barreca
Dr. Giuseppina Mandalari
Guest Editors

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