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New Insights Into Contradictory Health Effects Of Bioflavonoids

Date:
May 14, 2007
Source:
American Chemical Society
Summary:
In an advance toward understanding the contradictory health effects of bioflavonoids, scientists are reporting that these natural components of fruits and vegetables poison a key human enzyme critical for the normal function of DNA.
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In an advance toward understanding the contradictory health effects of bioflavonoids, scientists in Tennessee are reporting that these natural components of fruits and vegetables poison a key human enzyme critical for the normal function of DNA.

The research is scheduled for publication in the May 22 issue of ACS’ Biochemistry, a weekly journal.

Neil Osheroff and Omari J. Bandele point out that bioflavonoids are the most abundant natural source of antioxidants in the diet, and ordinarily are considered quite beneficial in protecting against heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. Despite the benefits, bioflavonoids also have toxic effects, with ingestion of high levels among pregnant women linked to rare forms of infant leukemia.

In their laboratory study, the researchers showed that bioflavonoids poison topoisomerase II in cultured human cells. This enzyme plays important roles in many critical DNA processes and removes knots and tangles from the genome. The enzyme acts by making a double-stranded cut in DNA, passing another segment of the double helix through the break, and reconnecting the broken strands.

The study found that three major classes of bioflavonoids interfere with the enzyme in cells, leading to DNA damage with potential adverse health effects. The findings provide important new insights into how flavonoids act, the researchers say.


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American Chemical Society. "New Insights Into Contradictory Health Effects Of Bioflavonoids." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 May 2007. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070514092912.htm>.
American Chemical Society. (2007, May 14). New Insights Into Contradictory Health Effects Of Bioflavonoids. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 14, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070514092912.htm
American Chemical Society. "New Insights Into Contradictory Health Effects Of Bioflavonoids." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070514092912.htm (accessed December 14, 2024).

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