Common Features in the Pathways of Absorption and Metabolism of Flavonoids

Introduction ............................................................................................................21 Flavonoids Generally Reach the Small Intestine Unchanged from the Form in the Food.............................................................................................................. 22 In the Small Intestine, Glycosylated Flavonoids Must Be Deglycosylated before Absorption ...................................................................................................24 The Small Intestine Is the Major Site of Flavonoid Conjugation .........................25 Plasma Conjugates of Flavonoids Are Not Glucosides but Are Sulfated, Glucuronidated, or Methylated Derivatives and Are Rarely Substituted ..............25 Hepatic Deconjugation and Reconjugation ...........................................................25 Deconjugation and Tissue Uptake.......................................................................... 27 Excretion ................................................................................................................. 27 Deglycosylation and Further Breakdown of Flavonoids Occurs in the Colon by Microflora ..........................................................................................................27 Flavonoid Pharmacokinetics ...................................................................................28 References ..............................................................................................................29