- alias: riboflavin, vitamin b2
- vitamin b2, also known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for energy production, cellular function, and overall health. it is a key component of the coenzymes FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) and FMN (flavin mononucleotide), which are involved in redox reactions crucial for metabolism.
chemical properties
- molecular weight: 376.36 g/mol
- density: 1.65 g/cm³
- boiling point: decomposes before boiling
- solubility: soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol
- optical rotation: +48.5° (c=0.2, water)
- chemical formula: C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆
usefulness in medicine
- vitamin b2 is essential for preventing and treating riboflavin deficiency, which can cause ariboflavinosis, characterized by cracks at the corners of the mouth, sore throat, and sensitivity to light.
- it supports healthy skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
- it is used in managing migraine headaches and promoting energy metabolism.
- riboflavin also plays a role in reducing oxidative stress by aiding in the regeneration of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.
antibacterial and antimicrobial activity
- vitamin b2 has been studied for its potential antimicrobial effects, primarily due to its role in boosting immune responses and disrupting bacterial metabolic pathways.
- research highlights:
- bacteria:
- escherichia coli research link
- pseudomonas aeruginosa research link