What is the Difference Between Flavonoids and Isoflavonoids?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Flavonoids and isoflavonoids are both polyphenolic secondary metabolites produced by plants, but they have distinct chemical structures and subgroups. The main differences between flavonoids and isoflavonoids are:
- Chemical Structure: Flavonoids have a 2-phenylchromen-4-one backbone, while isoflavonoids have a 3-phenylchromen-4-one backbone.
- Subgroups: Flavonoids can be divided into flavanones, flavones, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanidins. Isoflavonoids, on the other hand, can be classified into isoflavones, isoflavonones, isoflavans, pterocarpans, and rotenoids.
- Biosynthesis: Both flavonoids and isoflavonoids originate from the same biochemical pathway, but isoflavonoids are derived by aryl migration in a 2-phenylchroman skeleton under the catalysis of a specific enzyme.
- Antioxidant Activity: Isoflavonoids generally have more antioxidant activity compared to flavonoids.
Despite these differences, both flavonoids and isoflavonoids possess a wide range of biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. They play important roles in the growth and development of plants and have been ascribed positive effects on human and animal health.
Comparative Table: Flavonoids vs Isoflavonoids
Flavonoids and isoflavonoids are both polyphenolic secondary metabolites found in plants, but they have some differences in their chemical structures and classification. Here is a comparison table of the differences between flavonoids and isoflavonoids:
Flavonoids | Isoflavonoids |
---|---|
Have the 2-phenylchromen-4-one backbone in their chemical structure | Have the 3-phenylchromen-4-one backbone in their chemical structure |
Represent one of the largest and most studied polyphenolic secondary metabolites | Derived from the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway via liquiritigenin or naringenin |
Two main groups based on chemical structure: flavonoids (bioflavonoids) and isoflavonoids | Broadly classified into subgroups including isoflavones, isoflavonones, isoflavans, pterocarpans, and rotenoids |
Examples include flavanones, flavones, flavonols, and flavan-3-ols | Examples include genistein, daidzein, and homoisoflavonoids |
Despite their differences, both flavonoids and isoflavonoids share some common properties:
- They are polyphenolic secondary metabolites
- They are derived from plants
- They have antioxidant properties
- They are phytonutrients (plant chemicals)
- Flavonoids vs Polyphenols
- Alkaloid vs Flavonoid
- Antioxidants vs Phytochemicals
- Phenols vs Polyphenols
- Anthocyanin vs Anthocyanidin
- Quinoline vs Isoquinoline
- Anthocyanins vs Anthoxanthins
- Chlorophyll vs Carotenoids
- Thiocyanate vs Isothiocyanate
- Eugenol vs Isoeugenol
- Carotene vs Carotenoid
- Tocopherols vs Tocotrienols
- Lutein vs Luteolin
- Condensed Hydrolyzable vs Phlorotannins
- Fluorophore vs Chromophore
- Phytoestrogens vs Xenoestrogens
- Quercetin vs Quercetin with Bromelain
- Oxazole vs Isoxazole
- Glucoside vs Glycoside