Action of flavonoids on blood cells: trimodal action of flavonoids elucidates their inconsistent physiologic effects
Robbins, R.C.
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift für Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International de Vitaminologie et de Nutrition 44(2): 203-216
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9831 PMID: 4211776 Document Number: 74735
Blood samples were taken from hospital patients in order to test the effect of 9 flavonoids on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Tests for each flavonoid were made with controls and in various concentrations of blood. Seven of the 9 showed a trimodal action, that is the ability to inhibit, to accelerate or to have no effect at all. The action was greatest with rutin, hesperidin, quercetin and naringenin. Inhibition of ESR was greatest with the two methoxylated flavones, sinensetin and mobiletin. It was shown that flavonoids exert an effect on erythrocytes to alter their sedimentation rates by acting on the cell membrane and disaggregating the blood cells, thus impairing the microcirculation.