Protective effects of flavonoids against silver nanoparticles-induced toxicity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are becoming increasingly prevalent in daily life due to their unique properties, which have expanded their application across multiple sectors. This widespread use has led to a marked rise in human exposure to AgNP, raising concerns about their safety and potential health impacts. Studies have demonstrated that AgNP can induce harmful effects, including oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory responses, underscoring the need to identify protective agents to mitigate health risks. Flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, hold significant  promise as effective agents in mitigating the toxic effects of AgNP. This review examines the current literature on the protective effects of flavonoids against AgNP toxicity. It highlights the underlying mechanisms by which flavonoids exert protective actions, with a focus on relevant pathways and molecular interactions. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that flavonoids exert protective effects against AgNP-induced damages through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This analysis underscores the flavonoids potential as a promising strategy to reduce the negative impacts of AgNP, supporting safer and more sustainable applications of nanotechnology across diverse fields.