Flavonoids are a group of secondary metabolites synthesised by all plants. They accumulate in plant tissues and when the plants are consumed by animals and humans, the flavonoids enter the gut. Here they are metabolised extensively and there is good evidence that the metabolites are absorbed and are bioavailable. Diets high in fruit and vegetables are high in flavonoids and there is evidence such diets confer health effects. One health effect associated with high flavonoid diets is alleviation of the symptoms of arthritis, possibly through their anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoids have been shown to reduce inflammation by targeting inflammasome activation which limits the cascade of inflammation in tissues. In arthritis this inflammation occurs mainly in the joints and evidence suggests that flavonoids may be beneficial in patients with inflammation in the joints characterised by this disease. The best way to take advantage of the beneficial effects of flavonoids is to eat a diet with a variety of plant foods within it.
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