Flavonoids pharmacodynamics

Extracts of Ginkgo biloba contain dozens of chemical compounds including flavonoids and terpene lactones, which are considered to be the active compounds. Although the pharmacological actions of these compounds are not yet known, a number of studies suggest that Ginkgo biloba has the following pharmacodynamic effects ... 

Drug interactions with hawthorn are theoretically possible with cardioactive medications, but have not been documented (2). In addition, the flavonoid constituents have been shown to have inhibitory and inducible effects on the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system, making other drug interactions possible (20). However, an in vivo study of a potential pharmacokinetic interaction of digoxin and hawthorn demonstrated that concurrent administration had no effect on digoxin pharmacokinetics, suggesting that the two could be safely administered together from a pharmacokinetic point of view (21). However, one must be mindful of additive effects and a potential pharmacodynamic interaction. 

Anthocyanins are a proanthocyanidin-type of flavonoid distributed in various fruits. These anthocyanins are the most important visible plant pigments in the natural kingdom. Anthocyanins have been clinically used in many folklore medicines worldwide for the treatment of age-related diseases and other disease. This review presents the functionality of anthocyanins in relation to their chemistry, synthetic pathway, antioxidant activity, antitumor activity (including apoptosis-inducing activity), pharmacodynamics (absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion) and toxicity, and discusses their possible use as food and dietary supplements and usage in potential nutraceuticals. 

Pharmacodynamic tests in vitro and in vivo show that extracts, flavonoids and procyanidins have positive inotropic effects. An increase in coronary blood flow has also been demonstrated and it is the procyanidins... 

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