Tannin complexation with metal ions and its implication on human health, environment and industry: An overview

Tannins, also known as plant polyphenols (PPs), are secondary metabolites widely existing in higher plants and are a kind of natural renewable resource with wide distribution, variety and quantity. Tannin has become an important class of fine chemicals due to the easily modified molecular structure and the properties of antibacterial and antioxidant, combining with protein and complexing with metal ion. Besides being used for tanning leather, tannins are also widely used in wood adhesive, concrete water-reducing agents, oil drilling fluid viscosity-reducing agents, pharmaceutical, mineral processing, water treatment, gas desulfurization, metal anticorrosion, wood anticorrosion, printing and dyeing, liquor clarification, oil antioxidant, daily chemical products and other products preparation. There are two groups of tannins: condensed tannins (CTs) (flavonoid-derived proanthocyanidins) and hydrolysable tannins (HTs) (gallic acid ester-derived). Tannins can form complexes with metals through the ortho-dihydroxyphenolic group(s), especially with transition metals. The structure-activity relationships, stoichiometry, and origin of the insolubility of which were emphasized. Furthermore, this paper proposed an in-depth discussion of the associations of tannins-metal complexes in human health, environment and industries.

Overview of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Selected Plant Compounds and Their Metal Ions Complexes

Numerous plant compounds and their metal-ion complexes exert antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and other beneficial effects. This review highlights the different bioactivities of flavonoids, chromones, and coumarins and their metal-ions complexes due to different structural characteristics. In addition to insight into the most studied antioxidative properties of these compounds, the first part of the review provides a comprehensive overview of exogenous and endogenous sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, oxidative stress-mediated damages of lipids and proteins, and on protective roles of antioxidant defense systems, including plant-derived antioxidants. Additionally, the review covers the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of flavonoids, chromones, coumarins and their metal-ion complexes which support its application in medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetology.

Quercetin as a Precursor for the Synthesis of Novel Nanoscale Cu (II) Complex as a Catalyst for Alcohol Oxidation with High Antibacterial Activity

Quercetin (3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) is one of the dietary flavonoids, distributed in medicinal plants, vegetables, and fruits. Quercetin has the ability to bind with several metal ions to increase its biological activities. In the last two decades, quercetin has attracted considerable attention due to the biological and pharmaceutical activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer. In the present study, quercetin and ethanolamine were used for the synthesis Schiff base complex, which was characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The Schiff base has been employed as a ligand for the synthesis of novel nanoscale Cu (II) complex. The product was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, FESEM, and XRD. Significantly, the product showed remarkable catalytic activity towards the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols. The antibacterial activity of the final product was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) bacteria using an inhibition zone test. The synthesized nanoscale Cu (II) complex exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Flavonoids ameliorate aluminum chloride-induced learning and memory impairments via suppression of apoptosis and oxidative stress in rats

The study was to investigate the effects of flavonoids (rutin, puerarin, and silymarin) on learning and memory function in rats exposed to aluminum chloride (AlCl₃). Wistar rats were administered flavonoids at a dose of 100 mg/(kg·bw)/day or 200 mg/(kg·bw)/day after exposed to 281.40 mg/(kg·bw)/day AlCl₃·6H₂O. The results of Morris water maze suggested that rutin and puerarin increased the frequency of crossing the platform and swimming time spent in the target quadrant of AlCl₃-induced rats significantly. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay indicated that three flavonoids could alleviate apoptosis of hippocampal neurons induced by AlCl₃. Real time-PCR and western blot suggested that rutin, puerarin and 100 mg/(kg·bw)/day silymarin could decrease the AlCl₃-induced high expression of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) mRNA and protein in hippocampus, but the expression of B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA and protein was not significantly different among groups. Flavonoids could up regulate the low expression of autophagy related proteins (Beclin 1 (Bcl-2-interacting protein with a coiled-coil domain 1) and LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3)) caused by AlCl₃ exposure. Flavonoids could also adjust the change in adenosine triphosphatase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde induced by intake of AlCl₃. The results of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) suggested that flavonoids could effectively reduce the high Al level in brain and serum of AlCl₃ exposed rats. In conclusion, three flavonoids may improve learning and memory function by inhibiting excessive apoptosis and oxidative stress in AlCl₃ exposed rats.

Kinetic Studies on Radical Scavenging Activity of Kaempferol Decreased by Sn(II) Binding

Sn(II) binds to kaempferol (HKaem, 3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one) at the 3,4-site forming [Sn(II)(Kaem)₂] complex in ethanol. DPPH^• scavenging efficiency of HKaem is dramatically decreased by SnCl₂ coordination due to formation of acid inhibiting deprotonation of HKaem as ligands and thus reduces the radical scavenging activity of the complex via a sequential proton-loss electron transfer (SPLET) mechanism. Moderate decreases in the radical scavenging of HKaem are observed by Sn(CH₃COO)₂ coordination and by contact between Sn and HKaem, in agreement with the increase in the oxidation potential of the complex compared to HKaem, leading to a decrease in antioxidant efficiency for fruits and vegetables with Sn as package materials.

Copper(II) Coordination and Translocation in Luteolin and Effect on Radical Scavenging

Luteolin differs as a radical scavenger dramatically from apigenin in response to Cu(II) coordination despite a minor structural difference. Coordination of Cu(II) increases the radical scavenging efficiency of luteolin, especially at low pH, while decreases the efficiency of apigenin at both low and higher pH as studied by ABTS^•+ radical scavenging. Luteolin forms a 1:1 complex with Cu(II) binding to 4-carbonyl and 5-phenol for pH <6 and to 3',4'-catechol for pH >6. Apigenin forms a 1:2 complex independent of pH coordinated to 4-carbonyl and 5-hydroxylyl. Cu(II) coordinated to luteolin, as studied by pH jump stopped-flow, translocates with rate constants of 11.1 ± 0.3 s^-1 from 4,5 to 3',4' sites and 1.0 ± 0.1 s^-1 from 3',4' to 4,5 sites independent of Cu(II) concentration, pointing toward the dissociation of Cu(II) from an intermediate with two Cu(II) coordination as rate determining. 3',4'-Catechol is suggested to be a switch for Cu(II) translocation with deprotonation initiating 4,5 to 3',4' translocation and protonation initiating 3',4' to 4,5 translocation. For dicoordinated apigenin, the coordination symmetry balances an electron withdrawal effect of Cu(II) resulting in a decrease of phenol acidity and less radical scavenging efficiency compared to parent apigenin. Compared to that of parent luteolin, the radical scavenging rate of both 4,5 and 3',4' Cu(II)-coordinated luteolin is enhanced through increased phenol acidity by electron withdrawal by Cu(II), as confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Coordination and translocation of Cu(II) accordingly increases the antioxidant activity of luteolin at pH approaching the physiological level and is discovered as a novel class of natural molecular machinery derived from plant polyphenols, which seems to be of importance for protection against oxidative stress.

The Stability and Activity Changes of Apigenin and Luteolin in Human Cervical Cancer Hela Cells in Response to Heat Treatment and Fe2+/Cu2+ Addition

Flavonoids are natural polyphenolic compounds with desired bio-functions but with chemical instability and sensitivity to temperature, oxygen, and other factors. Apigenin and luteolin, two flavones of the flavonoid family in plant foods, were; thus, assessed and compared for their stability, especially the changes in anti-cancer activity in response to the conducted heat treatments and the addition of ferrous or cupric ions. The two flavones in aqueous solutions showed first-order degradation at 20 and 37 °C. The addition of ferrous or cupric ions (except for Cu2+ at 37 °C) enhanced luteolin stability via forming the luteolin-metal complexes; however, Fe/Cu addition (especially at 37 °C) consistently impaired apigenin stability. Using the human cervical cancer Hela cells and two cell treatment times (24 and 48 h), it was evident that heat treatments (37 and 100 °C) or Fe/Cu addition could endow apigenin and luteolin with decreased activities in growth inhibition, DNA damage, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptosis induction. In general, higher temperature led to greater decrease in these activities, while Fe2+ was more effective than Cu2+ to decrease these activities. The correlation analysis also suggested that the decreased ROS generation of the two flavones in the Hela cells was positively correlated with their decreased apoptosis induction. It is; thus, concluded that the two treatments can influence the two flavones' stability and especially exert an adverse impact on their anti-cancer activities.

An iron hydroxyl phosphate microoctahedron catalyst as an efficient peroxidase mimic for sensitive and colorimetric quantification of H2O2 and glucose

An iron hydroxyl phosphate that possesses high peroxidase activity is synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method and used for colorimetric glucose detection in human serum.

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization study of new palladium complexes containing bioactive O,O-chelated ligands: evaluation of the DNA/protein BSA interaction, in vitro antitumoural activity and molecular docking

[Pd{(C,N)-C₆H₄CH₂NH(Et) (Qu)] (2) and [Pd{(C,N)-C₆H₄CH₂NH(Et) (Nar)] (3) (Qu = Quercetin, Nar = Naringin) mononuclear palladium (II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, IR and electronic spectroscopy. The interaction of the prepared complexes with calf thymus DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA), monitored by UV-visible and fluorescence titrations, respectively, have been carried out to better understand the mode of their action under biological conditions. Intercalative binding mode between the complexes and DNA is suggested by the binding constant (K_b) values of 2.5 × 10⁶ and 3.2 × 10⁶ for complexes 2 and 3, respectively. In particular, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes on two cancer cells lines (bladder carcinoma TCC and breast cancer MCF7) showed that the compounds had broad spectrum, anti-cancer activity with low IC₅₀ values and the order of in vitro anticancer activities is consistent with the DNA-binding affinities. In the meantime, the quenching of tryptophan emission with the addition of complexes using BSA as a model protein indicated the protein binding ability. The quenching mechanisms of BSA by the complexes were static processes, according to the results obtained. The competitive binding using Warfarin, Digoxin and Ibuprofen site markers, which contain definite biding sites, demonstrated that the complexes bind to site I on BSA. Ultimately, the binding sites of DNA and BSA with the complexes have been determined by molecular modelling studies.

The Stoichiometry of Isoquercitrin Complex with Iron or Copper Is Highly Dependent on Experimental Conditions

Interaction of flavonoids with transition metals can be partially responsible for their impact on humans. Stoichiometry of the iron/copper complex with a flavonoid glycoside isoquercitrin, a frequent component of food supplements, was assessed using competitive and non-competitive methods in four (patho)physiologically-relevant pH values (4.5. 5.5, 6.8, and 7.5). Isoquercitrin chelated all tested ions (Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, and Cu⁺) but its affinity for Cu⁺ ions proved to be very low. In general, the chelation potency dropped with pH lowering. Metal complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry were mostly formed, however, they were not stable and the stoichiometry changed depending on conditions. Isoquercitrin was able to reduce both Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions at low ratios, but its reducing potential was diminished at higher ratios (isoquercitrin to metal) due to the metal chelation. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need of using multiple different methods for the assessment of chelation potential in moderately-active metal chelators, like flavonoids.

Genistein Binding to Copper(II)-Solvent Dependence and Effects on Radical Scavenging

Genistein, but not daidzein, binds to copper(II) with a 1:2 stoichiometry in ethanol and with a 1:1 stoichiometry in methanol, indicating chelation by the 5-phenol and the 4-keto group of the isoflavonoid as demonstrated by the Jobs method and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. In ethanol, the stability constants had the value 1.12 × 10¹¹ L²∙mol^-2 for the 1:2 complex and in methanol 6.0 × 10⁵ L∙mol^-1 for the 1:1 complex at 25 °C. Binding was not detected in water, as confirmed by an upper limit for the 1:1 stability constant of K = 5 mol^-1 L as calculated from the difference in solvation free energy of copper(II) between methanol and the more polar water. Solvent molecules compete with genistein as demonstrated in methanol where binding stoichiometry changes from 1:2 to 1:1 compared to ethanol and methanol/chloroform (7/3, v/v). Genistein binding to copper(II) increases the scavenging rate of the stable, neutral 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical by more than a factor of four, while only small effects were seen for the short-lived but more oxidizing β-carotene radical cation using laser flash photolysis. The increased efficiency of coordinated genistein is concluded to depend on kinetic rather than on thermodynamic factors, as confirmed by the small change in reduction potential of -0.016 V detected by cyclic voltammetry upon binding of genistein to copper(II) in methanol/chloroform solutions.

Spectroscopic study of molecular structure, antioxidant activity and biological effects of metal hydroxyflavonol complexes

Flavonols with varied hydroxyl substitution can act as strong antioxidants. Thanks to their ability to chelate metals as well as to donate hydrogen atoms they have capacity to scavenge free radicals. Their metal complexes are often more active in comparison with free ligands. They exhibit interesting biological properties, e.g. anticancer, antiphlogistic and antibacterial. The relationship between molecular structure and their biological properties was intensively studied using spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, IR, Raman, NMR, ESI-MS). The aim of this paper is review on spectroscopic analyses of molecular structure and biological activity of hydroxyflavonol metal complexes.

Photoinduced electron transfer across an organic molecular wall: octa acid encapsulated ESIPT dyes as electron donors

Efficient photoinduced electron transfer from proton transfer dyes encapsulated within water soluble supramolecular host octa acid to electron acceptors present outside the capsule was observed in aqueous solution.

Synthesis, characterization, and antioxidant activity of Zn2+ and Cu2+ coordinated polyhydroxychalcone complexes

ABSTRACT

Four new metal complexes [Cu(ISO)₂], [Cu(BUT)₂] and [Zn(ISO)₂], [Zn(BUT)₂] of the polyhydroxychalcones (isoliquiritigenin and butein) are synthesized, structurally characterized and their antioxidant activity is investigated. The formation of the complexes [Cu(ISO)₂] and [Zn(ISO)₂] is followed by Job's plot using NMR titration. The resulting compounds are characterized by mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Studies on the radical scavenging activity are performed using DPPH as substrate. The results showed that the antioxidant activities of isoliquiritigenin and butein are enhanced after binding to copper or zinc.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Catalytic dioxygenation of flavonol by M(II)-complexes (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) - mimicking the M(II)-substituted quercetin 2,3-dioxygenase

In order to get insights into the metal ion effects and the carboxylate effects on enzymatic activity, a series of the carboxylate ligand supported transition metal complexes [M(II)L(OAc)] (M = Mn (), Fe (), Co (), Ni (), Cu () and Zn (); LH = 2-{[bis-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]methyl}-4-methoxy benzoic acid) were synthesized and characterized as structural and functional models for the active sites of various M(II)-substituted resting quercetin 2,3-dioxygenases (2,3-QD). Their structures, spectroscopic features, redox properties, as well as the catalytic reactivity toward the substrate flavonol and O2 have been investigated in detail. The model complexes show higher enzymatic reactivities in the catalytic dioxygenation (oxidative ring opening) of the substrate flavonol at lower temperatures (55-100 °C), presumably caused by the carboxylate group in the supporting model ligand, which could lower the redox potential of the bound substrate flavonolate by electron donation. The catalytic reactivity of [M(II)L(OAc)] exhibits notable differences and it is in a metal ion dependent order of Co () > Ni () > Zn () > Fe () > Mn () > Cu (). The differences in the reactivities among them could be ascribed to the redox potential of the bound substrate flavonolate, which was drastically influenced by the metal ions via tuning the electron density of flavonolate, providing important insights into the metal ion effects and the carboxylate effects on the enzymatic activity of various M(II)-substituted 2,3-QD. Our model complexes [M(II)L(OAc)] are the first examples of a series of structural and functional models of various M(II)-substituted resting 2,3-QD.

Properties and applications of flavonoid metal complexes

Flavonoid metal complexes have a wide spectrum of activities as well as potential and actual applications.

Antioxidant properties of complexes of flavonoids with metal ions

The formation of complexes of metal ions with the flavonoids quercetin (L1), rutin (L2), galangin (L3) and catechin (L4) has been investigated by UV-visible spectroscopy. The antioxidant activities of the compounds were evaluated by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicalscavenging method. In this work, we have shown that the complexed flavonoids are much more effective free radical scavengers than the free flavonoids. We suggest that the higher antioxidant activity of the complexes is due to the acquisition of additional superoxide dismutating centers. Radical scavenging activities of the compounds were also investigated from an electrochemical point of view. There is a relationship between the logarithm of the antioxidant activity (represented by EC50) and the oxidation potential. The synergic effect of the complexes and ascorbic acid were studied by [13C]-NMR analyses. The results show that ascorbic acid can protect flavonoids from oxidative degradation, and reveal antioxidant synergies between ascorbic acid and the compounds.

Mathematical calculations of iron complex stoichiometry by direct UV-Vis spectrophotometry

The effects of iron-chelating agents on miscellaneous pathologies are currently largely tested. Due to various indications, different properties for chelators are required. A stoichiometry of the complex in relation to pH is one of the crucial factors. Moreover, the published data on the stoichiometry, especially concerning flavonoids, are equivocal. In this study, a new complementary approach was employed for the determination of stoichiometry in 10 iron-chelating agents, including clinically used drugs, by UV-Vis spectrophotometry at relevant pH conditions and compared with the standard Job's method. This study showed that the simple approach based on absorbance at the wavelength of complex absorption maximum was sufficient when the difference between absorption maximum of substance and complex was high. However, in majority of substances this difference was much lower (9-73 nm). The novel complementary approach was able to determine the stoichiometry in all tested cases. The major benefit of this method compared to the standard Job's approach seems to be its capability to reveal a reaction stoichiometry in chelators with moderate affinity to iron. In conclusion, using this complementary method may explain several previous contradictory data and lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of chelator's action.

Theoretical studies of structure, energetics and properties of Ca²⁺ complexes with alizarin glucoside

The effective dissolution of calcium oxalate, the main component of kidney stones, is important in the treatment of nephrolithisis. Polyphenol glycosides constitute compounds supporting dissolution and inhibition of formation of stones. These moieties possess oxygen atoms which can interact with calcium cations. Density functional theory studies of interactions of polyphenol glycosides and Ca²⁺ were performed to determine preferred structures and the role of polyphenol and carbohydrate parts in the formation of complexes. The determination of these properties may be useful in designing new complexes, effectively interacting with calcium compounds. In the present study we try to define factors influencing interaction energies and stabilization. The determined structures were divided according to coordination numbers. Obtained data indicate that for stronger interactions complexes maximize the number of O-Ca²⁺ contacts.

The UVA and aqueous stability of flavonoids is dependent on B-ring substitution

Flavonols such as kaempferol and quercetin are believed to provide protection against ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage to plants. Recent in vitro studies have examined the ability of flavonols to protect against UV-induced damage to mammalian cells. Stability of flavonols in cell culture media, however, has been problematic, especially for quercetin, one of the most widely studied flavonols. As part of our investigations into the potential for flavonols to protect skin against UV-induced damage, we have determined the stability of a series of flavonols that differ only in the number of substituents on the B-ring. We measured the stability of these flavonols over time to UVA radiation, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), and Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) using high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV). The identification of the breakdown products of flavonols was accomplished by using a hybrid quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer coupled with liquid chromatography. Tandem mass spectrometric analysis (MS/MS) of flavonol photoproducts was confirmed by comparing with the known standard samples. We have determined that flavonol stability decreases with increasing B-ring substitution, suggesting that future investigation of potential photoprotective flavonols will need to be cognizant of this trend.

Natural Flavonoids Interact with Dinitrobenzene System in Aprotic Media: An Electrochemical Probing

Three structurally related natural flavonoids (FlOH), quercetin (Q), rutin (R) and morin (M), were investigated by cyclic voltammetry to probe their interactions with hazardous 1,4-dinitrobenzene (1,4-DNB) using a glassy carbon electrode. Scavenging of 1,4-DNB by FlOH was inferred from a positive shift in reduction potential, decrease in anodic peak current, and irreversible electrochemical behavior of 1,4-DNB on increasing the flavonoid concentration. The homogeneous bi-molecular rate constant (k2) was determined using the Nicholson-Shain equation and found to be higher for the dianion. Morin posed a comparatively higher k2 value for its interaction with the 1,4-DNB electrochemical system owing to its more acidic nature and least intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The cyclic voltammetric (CV) results were further supported by HyperchemPM3 quantum mechanical semi-empirical calculations, which point towards ErCi interactions between flavonoids and 1,4-DNB. The present investigation is biologically significant in terms of natural flavonoidal scavenging activity toward toxins such as dinitroaromatics.

In vitro analysis of iron chelating activity of flavonoids

Flavonoids have been demonstrated to possess miscellaneous health benefits which are, at least partly, associated with iron chelation. In this in vitro study, 26 flavonoids from different subclasses were analyzed for their iron chelating activity and stability of the formed complexes in four patho/physiologically relevant pH conditions (4.5, 5.5, 6.8, and 7.5) and compared with clinically used iron chelator deferoxamine. The study demonstrated that the most effective iron binding site of flavonoids represents 6,7-dihydroxy structure. This site is incorporated in baicalein structure which formed, similarly to deferoxamine, the complexes with iron in the stoichiometry 1:1 and was not inferior in all tested pH to deferoxamine. The 3-hydroxy-4-keto conformation together with 2,3-double bond and the catecholic B ring were associated with a substantial iron chelation although the latter did not play an essential role at more acidic conditions. In agreement, quercetin and myricetin possessing all three structural requirements were similarly active to baicalein or deferoxamine at the neutral conditions, but were clearly less active in lower pH. The 5-hydroxy-4-keto site was less efficient and the complexes of iron in this site were not stable at the acidic conditions. Isolated keto, hydroxyl, methoxyl groups or an ortho methoxy-hydroxy groups were not associated with iron chelation at all.

Synthesis, characterization and antioxidant activity copper-quercetin complex

Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) one of the most abundant dietary flavonoids, has been investigated in the presence of Cu(II) in methanol. The spectroscopic studies (UV-vis, (1)H NMR and IR) were useful to assess the relevant interaction of Quercetin with Cu(II) ions, the chelation sites and dependence of the complex structure from the metal/ligand ratio. A 1:2 (L:M) complex was indicated by Job's method of continuous variation, which was applied to ascertain the stoichiometric composition of the complex. The antioxidant activities of the compounds were evaluated by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The complexed flavonoid was much more effective free radical scavengers than the free flavonoids.

Synthesis and spectral investigation of Al(III) catechin/beta-cyclodextrin and Al(III) quercetin/beta-cyclodextrin inclusion compounds

Al-catechin/beta-cyclodextrin and Al-quercetin/beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) inclusion compounds were synthesized and characterized by IR, UV-vis, 1H and 13C NMR and TG and DTA analyses. Because quercetin is sparingly soluble in water, the stability constants of the Al-quercetin/beta-CD and Al-catechin/beta-CD compounds were determined by phase solubility studies. The AL-type diagrams indicated the formation of 1:1 inclusion compounds and allowed calculation of the stability constants. The thermodynamic parameters were obtained from the dependence of the stability constants on temperature and results indicated that the formation of the inclusion compounds is an enthalpically driven process. The thermal decomposition of the solid Al-quercetin/beta-CD and Al-catechin/beta-CD inclusion compounds took place at different stages, compared with the respective precursors, proving that an inclusion complexation process really occurred.