Flavonoids and tannins: plant-based antioxidants with vitamin character

Persistent activation of the neuroendocrine stress axis is the major cause of a continuous catabolic alteration of the metabolism. This often causes a n oxidative stress situation with increased release of O-2 and NO radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines. For the correction of these metabolic state s, an adequate supply of plant-based antioxidants, especially flavonoids an d tannins, is indicated. These are plant-based polyphenols which, like vita mins cannot be synthesized by the animal organism. Vitamin E in combination with vitamin C and beta-carotene are currently considered worldwide as the standard antioxidative therapy. However, it has recently been shown that, depending on the iron status of the recipient, pharmacological doses of the se vitamins sometimes have beneficial, but often also no effect or harmful effects, so that, for a more reliable antoxidative action, adequate dietary supply of a mixture of flavonoids and tannins seems preferable.