Biochemistry

Biological role. Inositol is involved in exchange of phospholipids. It is important for metabolism in nervous tissue, stimulates the intestine motor activity, helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol, i.e., has a lipotropic effect. In animal tissues, it is contained in the form of phosphatides, and in plants it is represented by a phosphorylated derivative - phytin. Inositol deficiency. Inositol lack in the diet leads to an increase of cholesterol in blood, muscle atrophy in children. Daily intake of inositol is an average of 1-1.5 g for adults. It rises in women during pregnancy and lactation. Sources. The main suppliers of inositol are liver, meat, milk, wholemeal bread, vegetables and fruits. Bioflavonoids. This group combines substances with similar biological activity: flavones and polyphenols (flavins, flavones, vitamin P (flavone), citrine, rutin, pyrocatechins, leukoanthocyanins, anthocyanins). Structure and physicochemical properties. The structure of bioflavonoids is based on diphenylpropane carbon "skeleton". A characteristic feature of their structure is the presence of double bonds, as well as keto and hydroxy groups in the cycles and sugar residues. Bioflavonoids are crystalline substances of yellow or orange color; they are poorly soluble in water and well soluble in alcohol, acetic acid and weak alkaline solutions. Biological role. Bioflavonoids have the ability to maintain an elasticity of capillaries, strengthen their walls and reduce permeability, since they stabilize the main substance of the connective tissue - hyaluronic acid by inhibiting the hyaluronidase that catalyzes its splitting. Bioflavonoids are involved in redox reactions. In addition, vitamin P enhances the ascorbic acid activity and "saves" its consumption. 271