Chalcones are flavonoids often responsible for the yellow pigment of many types of flowers such as daisies and sunflowers. They are a class of flavonoid compounds which are potent antioxidants, protecting cells from free radical damage, which is associated with accelerating the ageing process and with many disorders, including cancer, as well as degenerative diseases.
They also suppress the excessive secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, which is often caused by stress and can lead to stomach ulcers.
In addition they help strengthen the immune system, regulate blood pressure and cholesterol and exhibit anti-viral and antibacterial activities. Chalcones have also been found to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is synthesised in minute amounts in the body and is essential in the development and survival of certain neurons (nerve cells) in the peripheral and central nervous system.
NGF is believed to have the potential to alleviate Alzheimer’s disease and peripheral neuropathy (a common neurological disorder resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, which originate from the brain and spinal cord). In an animal study conducted by the Biomedical Group, in Takara, Japan, there was a 20 per cent increase in NGF concentration after taking chalcone-rich ashitaba for just four days.
Natural sources of chalcones in alphabetical order
- Apples
- Ashitaba
- Astragalus
- Beans
- Cinnamon
- Citrus fruit (skins)
- Cloves
- Green tea
- Hops
- Liquorice root
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Sunflower seeds
- Tomato skins
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Alzheimers disease
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Brain and mental health disorders
- Cancer
- Flavonoids
- Heart disorders
- High blood pressure
- Intestinal disorders
- Nerve disorders
- Virus infections
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