Abstract
Flavonoids are one of the most widely found classes of compounds in vegetables and fruits. The chemical structure of flavonoids is based on a fifteen-carbon skeleton consisting of two phenyl rings (A and B rings) connected by a three-carbon bridge. The flavonoids can be divided into an assortment of classes, including anthocyanins, flavones, flavonols, flavanones, dihydroflavonols, chalcones, aurones, flavans, and proanthocyanidins. While individual compounds within a class differ in the pattern of substitution of the A and B rings, the classes themselves vary in the degree of oxidation and pattern of substitution of the C ring. Flavonoids are known to have a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
Natural Product Communications has published a themed collection entitled “Flavonoids: colors, functions and activities” Natural Product Communications, 10(3), 379‐546 (2015), and the current special collection “Flavonoids and Related Compounds as Natural Products” is a continuation of our efforts related to these themed collections. We are thankful to all authors and reviewers for their efforts that have made this issue possible and to the production department for putting it into production.
