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Updated: May 6, 2026
Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
Published on: August 14, 2019
Flavonoids as prospective compounds for anti-cancer therapy
Divyashree Ravishankar1, Amit Kumar Rajora, Francesca Greco
1Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, UK.
Abstract:
Flavonoids, which are polyphenolic compounds, are a class of plant secondary metabolites possessing a broad spectrum of pharmacological activity including anti-cancer activities. They have been reported to interfere in the initiation, promotion and progression of cancer by modulating different enzymes and receptors in signal transduction pathways related to cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, metastasis and reversal of multidrug resistance. Due to their multiple molecular mechanisms of action, flavonoids (both natural and synthetic analogs) are being investigated for their potential applications in anti-cancer therapies. In this review article, the main molecular mechanisms of action of flavonoids attributing to their potential anti-cancer activities have been discussed and the key structural features required for their activity are highlighted.
Insights
Flavonoids, plant compounds, show anti-cancer potential by targeting key cancer pathways. This review highlights their molecular mechanisms and structural features for effective cancer therapy development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Flavonoids are plant-derived polyphenolic compounds with diverse pharmacological effects.
- These compounds are recognized for their significant anti-cancer properties.
- They influence multiple stages of cancer development, including initiation, promotion, and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer activities of flavonoids.
- To identify key structural features of flavonoids essential for their anti-cancer efficacy.
- To explore the potential of flavonoids as anti-cancer therapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on flavonoids and cancer.
- Analysis of molecular targets and signaling pathways modulated by flavonoids.
- Correlation of flavonoid structures with their observed anti-cancer activities.
Main Results:
- Flavonoids modulate critical cancer-related pathways such as proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- They can also reverse multidrug resistance in cancer cells.
- Specific structural characteristics of flavonoids are crucial for their anti-cancer potency.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids exhibit broad-spectrum anti-cancer potential through diverse molecular mechanisms.
- Understanding structure-activity relationships is key to developing effective flavonoid-based cancer therapies.
- Both natural and synthetic flavonoids warrant further investigation for clinical anti-cancer applications.
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