Advances in studies on potential toxicity of flavonoids / 中国中药杂志

Flavonoids, including flavones, flavonols, anthocyanins, flavanones, chalcones, flavan, proanthocyanidins, isoflavonoids and biflavonoids, etc, are natural components in our diet and plants. Several beneficial properties have been attributed to these compounds, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects, etc. Flavonoid preparations are marketed as herbal medicines or dietary supplements for a variety of alleged nontoxic therapeutic effects. However, they have yet to pass controlled clinical trials for efficacy, and their potential for toxicity is an understudied field of research. This review summarizes the current studies on the toxicity induced by flavonoids and gives some advices for ingesting flavonoids.