A Review on Plant Flavonoids as Potential Anticancer Agents

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are mainly derived from fruits and vegetables and constitute an essential part of plant-derived beverages such as green tea, wine and cocoa-based products. They have been shown to possess anticancer effects via different mechanisms such as carcinogen inactivation, antiproliferation, cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis and differentiation, inhibition of angiogenesis, anti-oxidation and reversal of multidrug resistance or a combination of any two or more of these mechanisms. The present review summarizes the chemistry, biosynthesis and anticancer evaluation of flavonoids in both animal and human studies. A special emphasis has been placed on the flavonoids that are being screened in different phases of clinical trials for chemopmtective action against various cancers.

Automated summary

Flavonoids, derived mainly from fruits and vegetables, exhibit anticancer effects through various mechanisms such as carcinogen inactivation, antiproliferation, apoptosis induction, and antioxidant activity. This review summarizes the chemistry, biosynthesis, and evaluation of flavonoids in both animal and human studies, with a focus on those undergoing clinical trials for chemoprotective action against cancer.