Advances in flavonoid research since 1992

Some of the recent advances in flavonoid research are reviewed. The role of anthocyanins and flavones in providing stable blue flower colours in the a ngiosperms is outlined. The contribution of leaf flavonoids to UV-B protect ion in plants is critically discussed. Advances in understanding the part p layed by flavonoids in warding off microbial infection and protecting plant s from herbivory are described. The biological properties of flavonoids are considered in an evaluation of the medicinal and nutritional values of the se compounds. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.