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Leaf traits drive herbivory across forests: Silicon and heat tolerance matter

Researchers found that plant species with tougher leaves actually suffered more from insect damage, while those with higher silicon concentrations sustained less. In contrast, plants with higher heat tolerance experienced greater herbivory. Understanding these drivers is crucial for predicting forest health under future climate scenarios.

SourceSouth China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPlant Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

Wild blueberries: New review explores benefits for heart, metabolism and the microbiome

A new scientific review summarizes 12 human clinical trials on the cardiometabolic effects of wild blueberries, finding improvements in blood vessel function and beneficial changes to the gut microbiome. Regular consumption of one cup per day may support overall health benefits.

SourceWild Blueberry Association of North America·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2026

Flavanols in cocoa can protect blood vessel function following uninterrupted sitting - study

A new study from the University of Birmingham found that consuming flavanols can preserve blood vessel function in young healthy men during periods of uninterrupted sitting. The researchers tested whether high-flavanol cocoa could prevent FMD declines, and found significant protection against vascular dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2025

Black tea and berries could contribute to healthier aging

A systematic review found that higher flavonoid intakes from foods like black tea, berries, and citrus fruits are linked to a lower risk of frailty, impaired physical function, and poor mental health in older adults. Consuming more flavonoids may support healthier aging by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 4, 2025

The emerging role of flavonoids in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: regulating the enteroendocrine system

Research suggests flavonoids improve insulin sensitivity, enhance β-cell function, modulate the gut microbiota, inhibit gluconeogenesis, and regulate enteroendocrine hormones in type 2 diabetes management. Flavonoid-specific effects on GLP-1, GIP, PYY, and CCK secretion contribute to improved glycemic control.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateMar 20, 2025

Decoding 'Chachi' citrus: unveiling the secrets of flavorful phytonutrients

A study has deciphered the genetic controls of flavonoids in Citrus reticulata 'Chachi', providing new insights into its flavor and health benefits. The research highlights the importance of early developmental phases in flavonoid biosynthesis, with key compounds showing significant declines as the fruit matures.

Ceramic tea set glazing affects health benefits of tea, finds new study

A new study by Nagoya Institute of Technology researchers reveals that the type of ceramic glaze used in tea sets can alter the retention of catechins, flavonoids with antioxidant properties. The study found that different glazes reduced the amount of beneficial compounds in tea, affecting its flavor, aroma, and potential health benefits.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023

Flavonol-rich foods like apples and blackberries can lower chances of developing frailty

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher intake of dietary flavonols, specifically quercetin, was associated with lower odds of frailty onset. Flavonol-rich foods like apples and blackberries may be a useful strategy for preventing frailty in older adults.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2023

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis studies explore key traditional and modern therapeutics

Studies elucidate key aspects of traditional Chinese compounds and modern cancer therapeutics, highlighting the efficacy of R. serra in treating colitis and identifying active components of Gan Cao in treating pneumonia. A new radiolabeled antibody-based probe for detecting PD-L1 expression in cancers also provides a novel approach to ...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Polyphenols Applications World Congress 2022, which will be held next September in Spain, will host a symposium dedicated to cannabis, cannabinoids and their derivatives

The Polyphenols Applications World Congress 2022 will host a cannabis symposium in Valencia, Spain, discussing recent advances on polyphenols, their applications, and innovations. The symposium aims to evaluate the constituents of cannabis and medical cannabis, mainly cannabinoids and flavonoids.

Rejuvenation: An effective and feasible approach for enhancing the biomass and flavonoid content of horticultural trees

Scientists found that rejuvenation treatment increases leaf biomass and flavonoid glycoside accumulation in G. biloba trees, with overexpression of GbCHS confirming its role in flavonoid biosynthesis. Gibberellins also play a significant role in stimulating tree rejuvenation.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeNews article·DateFeb 16, 2022

Eating prunes may help protect against bone loss in older women

Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Flavonoids may reduce mortality risk for people with Parkinson’s Disease

A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

Ancient Aboriginal bush medicine could improve modern day cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a natural substance, a flavonoid, that can inhibit cancer cells' ability to defend themselves against chemotherapy by targeting efflux pumps. This could lead to more effective treatment and potentially even combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalBiomolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Ordering in? Plants are way ahead of you

Researchers discovered that plants use flavonoids to communicate with microbes in the soil, but high levels of organic carbon in the soil can repress these signals. This allows plants to control whether they invest in expensive symbionts and avoid wasting photosynthate on unnecessary microbial help.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

Cocoa may help curb fatigue typically associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)

Researchers found that high flavonoid cocoa powder improved fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis by reducing mental and physical fatigue. Participants who drank the high flavonoid version showed a moderate effect on fatigability and improvements in pain symptoms, while those drinking low flavonoid cocoa saw no significant benefits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateMar 4, 2019

Novel basic science tip sheet

Researchers found that a diet rich in plant-based flavonoids can help regulate the body's immune system response to fine particles in polluted air, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a low-cost vaccine targeting PCSK9 has been shown to safely lower bad cholesterol levels in animal studies.

Little changes -- large effects

Researchers at the University of York found that small chemical changes to dietary flavonoids significantly impact the production of inflammatory mediators. The study demonstrates the importance of a molecule's shape in its recognition by immune cells, paving the way for designing new drugs and immunomodulators.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 30, 2013