Flavonoids Being Chemo-Preventive Agents Induce Programmed Cell Death: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials

Flavonoids have a chemo-preventive effect on cancer due to their antioxidant properties and ability to limit proliferation, suppress angiogenesis, and modulate the immune system through cellular death. The immense potential of natural flavonoids in initiating diverse signaling cascades offers a compelling strategy to combat uncontrolled cell proliferation. In disease therapeutics and chemo-prevention, flavonoids have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to activate a range of Programmed cell death (PCD) pathways. PCD is a fundamental mechanism in developmental and defensive systems, with several sub-types based on cell death execution and distinct morphological characteristics. Recent comprehensive studies on cell death have unveiled new insights into various types of cellular destruction and their crucial involvement in the treatment of diseases, including cancer. This review aims to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of programmed cell death and the impact of flavonoids on initiating these diverse forms of cellular demise. It will delve into the mechanisms through which flavonoids exert their effects, focusing on their potential in cancer prevention and their role in elucidating the molecular pathways underlying programmed cell death. Additionally, the review will explore how comprehending the mechanisms of drugs targeting different cell death pathways in therapy, in both preclinical and clinical studies, may contribute to developing novel therapeutic regimens and mitigating resistance to previously employed medicines.