Flavanoneja

Flavanoneja are a class of flavonoids found in plants, characterized by a saturated C2–C3 bond in the C-ring and a 4‑one carbonyl, giving the 2‑phenylchroman-4-one skeleton that defines flavanones. This structural feature distinguishes them from the related flavones, which have a double bond between C2 and C3.

The most abundant flavanones in the diet occur in citrus fruits, with naringenin and hesperetin as the principal aglycones. Their glycosides, such as naringin, hesperidin, and neohesperidin, are common in citrus peels and juices. Flavanones are also found in other fruits, legumes, and herbs to varying extents.

Biosynthesis proceeds via the phenylpropanoid pathway. p-Coumaroyl-CoA condenses with malonyl-CoA in a reaction catalyzed by chalcone synthase to form a chalcone, which is then isomerized to the flavanone nucleus, typically yielding naringenin. Glycosylation, methylation, and acylation diversify natural products labeled as flavanone glycosides.

Biological activities reported for flavanones include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential anti-cancer effects in laboratory studies. Their bioavailability is influenced by glycosylation status, with glycosides often requiring hydrolysis before absorption; metabolism involves conjugation in the liver and intestinal wall.

In nutrition and food science, flavanone intake is linked to citrus consumption and is studied for health effects and roles in plant defense. As natural products, they are widely used in research on plant secondary metabolism and health-related claims, though evidence for clinical benefits remains variable.