The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today-truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences. This volume presents an extensive collection of new methodologies to aid progress in solving unanswered questions concerning the bioavailability and metabolism of flavonoids and polyphenols, their biochemical and molecular biological effects on cell regulation, and their effects on health. Major topics in this volume include sources, characterization, analytical methods, bioavailability, antioxidant action, and biological activity. "New methodologies described in this book provide the much-needed tools to meet the increasing interest in understanding the role of flavonoids and polyphenols in promoting human health and disease prevention. This is a very useful resource book for those researchers and graduate students conducting research in the flavonoids and polyphenol area." --DOODY PUBLISHING REVIEWS Praise for the Series "The Methods in Enzymology series represents the gold-standard." ( Neuroscience ) "Incomparably useful." ( Analytical Biochemistry ) "It is a true 'methods' series, including almost every detail from basic theory to sources of equipment and reagents, with timely documentation provided on each page." ( Bio/Technology ) "...It should be on the shelves of all libraries in the world as a whole collection." ( Chemistry in Industry ) "The appearance of another volume in that excellent series, Methods in Enzymology , is always a cause for appreciation..." ( American Society of Microbiology News ) "...a great work." ( Enzymologia ) "A series that has established itself as a definitive reference for biochemists." ( Journal of Chromatography ) Lester Packer received a PhD in Microbiology and Biochemistry in 1956 from Yale University. In 1961, he joined the University of California at Berkeley serving as Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology until 2000, and then was appointed Adjunct Professor, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy at the University of Southern California. Dr Packer received numerous distinctions including three honorary doctoral degrees, several distinguished Professor appointments. He was awarded Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Merite (Knight of the French National Order of Merit) and later promoted to the rank of Officier. He served as President of the Society for Free Radical Research International (SFRRI), founder and Honorary President of the Oxygen Club of California. He has edited numerous books and published research; some of the most cited articles have become classics in the field of free radical biology: Dr Packer is a member of many professional societies and editorial boards. His research elucidated - the Antioxidant Network concept. Exogenous lipoic acid was discovered to be one of the most potent natural antioxidants and placed as the ultimate reductant or in the pecking order of the “Antioxidant Network” regenerating vitamins C and E and stimulating glutathione synthesis, thereby improving the overall cellular antioxidant defense. The Antioxidant Network is a concept addressing the cell’s redox status. He established a world-wide network of research programs by supporting and co-organizing conferences on free radical research and redox biology in Asia, Europe, and America. Helmut Sies, MD, PhD (hon), studied medicine at the universities of Tübingen, Munich, and Paris. He was the professor and chair of the Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I at Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany, where he is now professor emeritus. He is a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and was the president of the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences and Arts. He was named ‘Redox Pioneer’; was the president of the Society for Free Radical Research International (SFRRI). Helmut Sies introduced the concept of “Oxidative Stress” in 1985, and was the first to reveal hydrogen peroxide as a normal constituent of aerobic cell metabolism. His research interests comprise redox biology, oxidants, antioxidants, micronutrients.