Flavonoids as drugs at the small intestinal level

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Flavonoids are bioactive secondary plant metabolites with demonstrated health benefits.
• These compounds are explored for therapeutic applications in diseases like cancer and type-II diabetes.
• Initial interactions post-ingestion occur within the small intestine's digestive enzymes and transporters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanisms by which flavonoids impact digestive enzymes and transporters.
• To evaluate the potential of flavonoids in managing postprandial hyperglycemia.
• To explore the role of flavonoids in overcoming multidrug resistance in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• In vitro and in vivo studies assessing flavonoid interactions with glucose transporters.
• Analysis of flavonoid effects on ATP-dependent drug-efflux transporter activity.
• Pharmacological assays to determine the efficacy of flavonoids in relevant disease models.

Main Results:

• Flavonoid glycosides and aglycones demonstrate the ability to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia via interaction with enterocyte glucose transporters.
• Numerous flavonoids interfere with ATP-dependent drug-efflux transporters, crucial for cancer cell drug resistance.
• These interactions suggest flavonoids' potential as adjuncts in diabetes and cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Flavonoids exhibit therapeutic potential by modulating key physiological transporters.
• Their interaction with glucose transporters offers a strategy for managing hyperglycemia.
• Interference with drug-efflux transporters positions flavonoids as candidates to overcome cancer multidrug resistance.