Taxifolin as a Promising Anticancer Agent: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials

Taxifolin is emerging as a promising anticancer agent due to its diverse pharmacological profile, including anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antioxidant properties. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that taxifolin can modulate key signaling pathways associated with carcinogenesis, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, and NF-κB, which are frequently dysregulated in various cancers and crucial for angiogenesis, metastasis, cell survival, and proliferation. By targeting these molecular cascades, taxifolin can inhibit metastasis, suppress angiogenesis, induce apoptosis, and enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy while potentially reducing associated toxicity. Additionally, taxifolin's ability to chelate metal ions, scavenge reactive oxygen species, and modulate gene expression highlights its role as a chemopreventive agent. Its favorable pharmacokinetic profile and relatively low toxicity further support its suitability for long-term use and combination therapy. However, despite its therapeutic potential, taxifolin faces challenges in clinical translation, such as low bioavailability and a lack of human clinical trials. Advancements in drug delivery strategies, including targeted delivery and nanoformulations, offer potential solutions to enhance the pharmacodynamics and efficacy of taxifolin. Overall, taxifolin's multifaceted anticancer effects and promising preclinical results warrant further investigation to harness its full potential as a novel therapeutic agent in the fight against cancer.