Effects of dihydrogenation of flavones and number of hydroxy groups in the molecules on ocular blood flow in rabbits and retinal function recovery in rats.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: It has been found that the number of hydroxy groups in the molecule of flavones and flavanones affect the ocular blood flow significantly. However, the effects of dihydrogenation of flavones into flavanones on ocular blood flow and retinal function recovery have not been studied and required investigation. METHODS: The colored microsphere technique and electroretinography method were used for the study of ocular blood flow and retinal function, respectively. RESULTS: Maximum effects on ocular blood flow were obtained when there were 3 hydroxy groups in the molecule of flavones and flavanones. Dihydrogenation of flavones to flavanones increased the ocular blood flow further. The same is true for retinal function recovery after ischemic insult. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that hydrogenation is an excellent way to convert natural flavones into more potent compounds of flavanones.