*2.2.3.3 Antibacterial action*

Flavonoids have multiple methods of action against bacteria. They can damage bacterial membranes and hinder many activities such as biofilm development, cell envelope creation, nucleic acid synthesis, electron transport chain, and ATP generation [119].

Catechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate, as well as the flavonol quercetin, appear to cause an oxidative burst, boosting ROS generation and thereby increasing membrane permeability and damage [120]. Apigenin can disrupt membrane structure by disordering and disorienting membrane lipids, resulting in membrane leakage [119]. Flavonoids such as apigenin, chrysin, naringenin, kaempferol, quercetin, daidzein, and genistein limit biofilm development, whereas luteolin, myricetin and baicalein hinder bacterial DNA replication [119]. Epigallocatechin gallate and baicalein may limit bacterial ATP production [121].
