Procyanidin
Procyanidin (pronunciation: pro-cy-an-id-in) is a type of polyphenol that belongs to the class of flavonoids. It is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of plants, including apples, grapes, and pine bark.
Etymology
The term "procyanidin" is derived from the Greek words "pro" meaning "before" and "cyanidin", which is a type of anthocyanidin. The name reflects the fact that procyanidins are precursors to cyanidins in the biosynthetic pathway.
Chemical Structure
Procyanidins are composed of multiple catechin and epicatechin units linked together to form a chain-like structure. The number and arrangement of these units can vary, leading to a wide range of procyanidin types.
Health Benefits
Procyanidins are known for their potent antioxidant properties. They can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Procyanidins may also have anti-inflammatory effects and can improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels.
Food Sources
Procyanidins are found in a variety of foods, including cocoa, red wine, green tea, and certain types of fruits and nuts. They are particularly abundant in the skins and seeds of grapes and apples.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Procyanidin
- Wikipedia's article - Procyanidin
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