Flavonoids - A new direction for the treatment of fluid retention?

Flavonoid extracts are important for the health of the micro-blood vessel n etwork and are clinically exploited in this way by medical herbalists and p hysicians in mainland Europe. In the present review, we provide preliminary evidence that suggests that plant flavonoid extracts from dietary sources facilitate the repair of vessel damage responsible for 'small blood vessel permeability'. Correction of this pathophysiological abnormality is known t o lead to a reduction in symptoms of diffuse benign fluid retention includi ng swollen limbs, fingers, breasts and the tissue surrounding the eye area. There is currently little orthodox treatment for this type of fluid retent ion except diuretics which are not without side effects and fail to address the underlying cause of the disorder. This paper marshals available data i ncluding some preliminary studies that suggest that detailed scientific stu dy of this clinical area and its treatment through flavonoid intervention i s warranted. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.