Abstract
Flavones correspond to a flavonoid subgroup that is widely distributed in the plants, and which can be synthesized by different pathways, depending on whether they contain C- or O-glycosylation and hydroxylated B-ring. Flavones are emerging as very important specialized metabolites involved in plant signaling and defense, as well as key ingredients of the human diet, with significant health benefits. Here, we appraise flavone formation in plants, emphasizing the emerging theme that biosynthesis pathway determines flavone chemistry. Additionally, we briefly review the biological activities of flavones, both from the perspective of the functions that they play in biotic and abiotic plant interactions, as well as their roles as nutraceutical components of the human and animal diet.
Highlights
IntroductionFlavonoids represent a large subgroup of the phenolic class of plant specialized metabolites
Flavonoids represent a large subgroup of the phenolic class of plant specialized metabolites.They are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom [1]
Flavone Synthase I (FNSI) enzymes were identified from a number of species of the Apiaceae family, and it was believed for many years that FNSI-type enzymes were restricted to the Apiaceae [20,21]
Summary
Flavonoids represent a large subgroup of the phenolic class of plant specialized metabolites. According to the oxidation status and saturation of the heterocyclic ring, flavonoids are divided into several groups, which include flavones, flavanones, isoflavones, flavonols, 3-deoxy flavonoids, and anthocyanins [1]. In addition to their physiological, biochemical, and ecological functions to plants, flavones exert biological activities on animals, providing important nutritional value [10]. Key to fulfilling these multiple roles, flavones are characterized by a high degree of chemical diversity provided by modifications of the chemical backbone, which include hydroxylation, O-/C-glycosylation, O-methylation, and acylation [1]. In the text belonging to the flavanone, isoflavone, and flavonol groups
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