Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
09:50

Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade

Published on: August 14, 2019

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Autophagy as a Molecular Target of Flavonoids Underlying their Protective Effects in Human Disease

Nestor Prieto-Domínguez1, Maria V Garcia-Mediavilla1,2, Sonia Sanchez-Campos1,2

  • 1Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of Leon, Leon, Spain.

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|September 20, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Flavonoids can modulate autophagy, a cellular process crucial for homeostasis. This review highlights their potential as adjuvant therapies for various diseases by influencing autophagy pathways, possibly reducing side effects of conventional treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Autophagy is a vital cellular process for maintaining homeostasis by removing damaged components.
  • Dysregulation of autophagy is implicated in the initiation and progression of numerous human diseases.
  • Flavonoids, plant-derived metabolites, possess the ability to modulate cellular processes, including autophagy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of flavonoids on the autophagy pathway in human diseases.
  • To assess the role of flavonoids in both invasive and non-invasive disease progression.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of combining flavonoids with other therapeutic agents.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
  • Peer-reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies were analyzed.
  • Focus was placed on autophagy deregulation and flavonoid effects in various pathologies.

Main Results:

  • Autophagy imbalance significantly contributes to the pathophysiology of many human diseases.
  • Flavonoids demonstrate potential as autophagy modulators for treating cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Combinations of flavonoids with other agents may enhance therapeutic outcomes for conditions like diabetes and infections.

Conclusions:

  • Flavonoids show promise as adjuvant agents in treating diseases linked to autophagy deregulation.
  • Combined therapies involving flavonoids could reduce conventional drug dosages and minimize side effects.
  • The use of flavonoids may lead to improved patient survival rates in various conditions.
Keywords:
Flavonoidsautophagycancercardiovascular diseasesdiabetes.hepatic diseasesinfectious diseasesneurodegenerative disorders

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