Potential of Flavonoids as Anticancer Drugs

Abstract

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in vegetables, fruits, cereals, beverages, medicinal and several other plants. More than 10, 000 flavonoids have been isolated and identified to date. Flavonoids are classified into following subclasses including flavonols, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, isoflavones, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidin. They possess various biological activities in the host systems. The role of dietary flavonoids is free radicals scavenging, inactivation of carcinogen, seize cell cycle, cell apoptosis and angiogenesis inhibition. Due to their multiple modes of actions, flavonoids are being investigated as an efficient anti-cancer element. This review describes about sources of most effective plant derived flavonoids like catechin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, luteolin, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin and chrysin and its analogues. Mechanism of actions of these flavonoids was also discussed, which effectively arrest the growth of cancer cell lines and tumors. The present information based on the flavonoids may be helpful in developing effective dietary strategies for cancer patients for the treatment and management of their health. © 2021 Scrivener Publishing LLC.