Stabilization of flow properties of blood with phenylbenzo-gama-pyrone derivatives (flavonoids).

An investigation conducted on erythrocytes suspension in plasma revealed an instability caused by apparent sensitivity of erythrocytes to aggregation due to slight changes in normal plasma constituents. There is evidence that low level intravascular aggregation and so-called normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of apparently healthy people may be caused by undue sensitivity of erythrocytes to aggregation by plasma constituents as they vary within accepted normal ranges. Certain flavones, particularly methoxylated compounds, which may occur in the diet, increase resistance of erythrocytes to aggregation by shifts in plasma constituents. The stabilizing and apparent regulatory action of flavonoids on parameters important in the rheology of blood supports the concept that these compounds are necessary in the diet.