---
title: Recent Review Article Links Flavonoids and Mood Health
description: Flavonoids such as quercetin may influence BDNF and the body's response to oxidative stress, with possible relevance to mood health.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/sciblog_11.jpg
---

An **educational publication of Designs for Health**

[For Practitioners →](https://www.designsforhealth.com)

[![casilogoresize2-2](https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casilogoresize2-2.png)](https://www.casi.org/)

[Home](https://www.casi.org/) [Science Update](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/science-update) [Research & Education](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/research-education) [Archive](https://www.casi.org/articles/all)

Search articles

Search

Science Update

# Recent Review Article Links Flavonoids and Mood Health

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Jan 14, 2022

![Recent Review Article Links Flavonoids and Mood Health](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/sciblog_11.jpg?width=960)

Depression is a prevalent mood disorder with a complex etiology. It is the second-most [leading global cause of disability](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32130662/). The [prevalence of a major depressive episode](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31985760/) among adults in the United States in 2017 was more than 7%. Recent research has explored the relationship between the intake of certain [nutrients](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31985760/) and the support of mood and cognitive health in the presence or prevention of depression.

A recently published review article by [Pannu and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/) explored the potential role of flavonoids in support of mood health. Flavonoids are molecules classified as [polyphenols](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/) and are found in many plants. Certain [fruits](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/), vegetables, tea, and grains contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are categorized into groups such as flavonols and flavones based on their chemical structure.

A [flavone](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/) called 7,8 dihydroxyflavone (DHF) was shown in animal and laboratory studies to cross the blood-brain barrier and had relatively high bioavailability. It has also been shown to influence the [nitric oxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/) (NO) signaling pathway and tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptors. In a [laboratory study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/), DHF was reported to mimic and increase the hippocampal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The BDNF is a protein that plays an important role in [synaptic plasticity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/), nervous system modulation, memory formation, and the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. [Altered levels of BDNF](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/) have been associated with several psychological and neurological disorders, including depression. 

Other studies have shown an increase in hippocampal [BDNF levels](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/) in the presence of flavonoids. Flavonoids were also shown in animal studies to help regulate [neurogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/), synaptogenesis, neuronal plasticity, and neuronal maturation. They also influenced [signaling pathways](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/) related to BDNF and helped prevent stress-induced and corticosterone-mediated decreases in BDNF expression. 

Flavonoids may also support the body’s response to [oxidative stress](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/). Oxidative stress may be linked to [neuronal damage](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/), cognitive dysfunction, inflammatory disorders, and other changes to human health. They have been shown to interfere with systems related to the production of [free radicals](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/), including NO synthase, xanthine oxidase, and inositol trisphosphate kinase. 

Classified as a flavonol, [quercetin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/) is perhaps one of the most well-known flavonoids. Particularly abundant in onions, apples, green tea, and wine, quercetin has been shown to have [free radical scavenging activity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/). In animal studies, it was shown to modulate neuroinflammation related to [microglia](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/). It also was shown in preclinical studies to have activity related to certain neurotransmitter systems, such as monoamine oxidase enzymes. 

Flavonoids are molecules found in many fruits, vegetables, and tea. They have been shown to support the body’s response to oxidative stress. Although more research is needed to draw broader conclusions, the review article by [Pannu and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34944471/)indicates that flavonoids may also influence certain biological processes related to mood health. 

On this page

Share

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casi.org%2Farticles%2Frecent-review-article-links-flavonoids-and-mood-health) [X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casi.org%2Farticles%2Frecent-review-article-links-flavonoids-and-mood-health&text=Recent+Review+Article+Links+Flavonoids+and+Mood+Health) [Email](mailto:?subject=Recent%20Review%20Article%20Links%20Flavonoids%20and%20Mood%20Health&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.casi.org%2Farticles%2Frecent-review-article-links-flavonoids-and-mood-health)

CA

### Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![CogniAid™](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/db945027b49bac7bd0b24aa5f5e7daacc8ff6bf4-2000x2000.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

CogniAid™

Ginseng, ashwagandha, bacopa and huperzine-A blend · Capsules

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/cogniaid)

## Continue your research

#### [Research & Education 5 Benefits You Need to Know About Ergothioneine Sep 11, 2025](https://www.casi.org/articles/5-benefits-ergothioneine)

#### [Research & Education The Hidden Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Antioxidant Status Jun 10, 2025](https://www.casi.org/articles/hidden-connection-between-erectile-dysfunction-and-antioxidant-status)

#### [Research & Education Phyto-Fuel: The Role of Phytochemicals in Supporting Antioxidant Status and Metabolic Health May 08, 2025](https://www.casi.org/articles/phyto-fuel-role-of-phytochemicals-supporting-antioxidant-status-metabolic-health)

#### [Research & Education A New Reason to Include More Color in Your Meals: Radiant, Healthy-Looking Skin May 02, 2025](https://www.casi.org/articles/new-reason-include-more-color-in-meals-radiant-healthy-looking-skin)

![casilogoresize2-2](https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casilogoresize2-2.png)

An educational publication of [**Designs for Health**](https://www.designsforhealth.com). Peer-reviewed nutrition science, free for everyone.

#### Sections

- [Science Update](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/science-update)
- [Research & Education](https://www.casi.org/articles/tag/research-education)

#### Terms & Conditions

- [Privacy Notice](https://www.designsforhealth.com/privacy-notice)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.designsforhealth.com/terms-of-use)

CASI.org © 2026 All rights reserved

 Do not sell my personal information 

Built with care · Peer-reviewed since 1996

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BreadcrumbList",
  "itemListElement" : [ {
    "@type" : "ListItem",
    "item" : "https://www.casi.org/",
    "name" : "Home",
    "position" : 1
  }, {
    "@type" : "ListItem",
    "item" : "https://www.casi.org/articles",
    "name" : "The CASI Library",
    "position" : 2
  }, {
    "@type" : "ListItem",
    "name" : "Recent Review Article Links Flavonoids and Mood Health",
    "position" : 3
  } ]
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/recent-review-article-links-flavonoids-and-mood-health",
  "@type" : "WebPage",
  "dateModified" : "2026-09-17"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT",
    "url" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/author/cory-ambrose-nd-mat"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2022-01-14T12:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Recent Review Article Links Flavonoids and Mood Health",
  "image" : [ "https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/sciblog_11.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.casi.org/articles/recent-review-article-links-flavonoids-and-mood-health",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casilogoresize2-2.png"
    },
    "name" : "CASI.org"
  }
}
```