Phenolic pigments flavonoids

Phytochemicals or phytonutrients are bioactive substances that can be found in foods derived from plants and are not essential for life the human body is not able to produce them. Recently, some of their characteristics, mainly their antioxidant capacity, have given rise to research related to their protective properties on health and the mechanisms of action involved. Flavonoids are a diverse group of phenolic phytochemicals (Fig. 6.1) that are natural pigments. One function of flavonoids is to protect plants from oxidative stress, such as ultraviolet rays, environmental pollution, and chemical substances. Other relevant biological roles of these pigments are discussed in other chapters of this book. 

Some studies have shown no changes in flavonoid levels in response to UV. Originally, only the flavonoids were thought to serve as UV-screening pigments. It is now clear, however, that other phenolics, such as hydroxycinnamic acids and their esters, are also... 

The seven major flavonoids in these flours were isolated and identified as 3-0-glycosides of kaempferol and quercetin. The marked brown discoloration observed when LCP glanded cottonseed flour is used in a food product is caused by bound gossypol and at least two bound gossypol-like pigments. The brown color observed when glandless cottonseed flour is used in food is believed to be due to other phenolic constituents that are either insoluble polymers or are bound to the insoluble plant polysaccharides. 

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