Action in human blood of methoxylated flavones which confer disease resistance on both plants and animals: concept of a dietary conditioned mechanism of defense against disease-1,2.

The antiadhesive action of methoxylated flavones on cells in blood of hospitalized patients was significantly associated with calcium, probably at membrane interfaces. This action is consistent with the role of calcium in cell aggregation and disaggregation. These and other recent findings suggest the body has a capacity for an environmentally related dietary conditioned, resistance to disease. The concept is based on evidence that phenylbenzo-gamma-pyrone derivatives, methyoxylated flavonoids and related compounds, synthesized in plants with antiviral, antifungal and bacteriostatic action may be absorbed into the body and attach reversibly to blood cells. In the body, in addition to any potential action against pathogens, certain of these compounds potentiate enzymes which detoxify carcinogenic hydrocarbons, exhibit antiinflammatory activity, exert antiadhesive action on blood cells and show antithrombogenic activity. The evidence indicates that of this class of compounds, a few are broad spectrum in their action, while several others possess one or another of the above functions. Also, some compounds are active in practically all subjects while others are active only in some patients. Specificities appear to be involved in action of the compounds on both pathogens and body processes.