4-oxo-flavonoids are dietary compounds widely distributed in the plant
kingdom. Interest in these substances has arisen because of possible
effects on human health. Indeed, in spite of extensive metabolism by t
he intestinal flora, 4-oxo-flavonoids seem to be sufficiently absorbed
to have physiological effects. This review discusses the possibilitie
s of a positive role in cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention,
particularly by their antioxidant properties and their ability to modu
late the activity of many enzymes, and summarizes the data concerning
an eventual carcinogenicity of 4-oxo-flavonoids.