Flavonoids as the emerging therapeutic agents: A review of their bioactivity, chemoprevention and chemotherapy approach

Abstract

Background and aim: The aim of the review is to study the bioactivity, chemoprevention and chemotherapy approach of flavonoids as the emerging therapeutic agents.<br /> Results: The quickest way of managing health challenges in the developing world is by the uses of herbs. These medicinal plants are known to contain phytochemicals that conferred on them these pharmacological potentials. Among these chemical constituents are the flavonoids which become the emergent therapeutic agents because of their vast pharmacological properties. Among reported activities of plants derived phytochemicals, flavonoids have shown various pharmacological activities. Many flavonoids have shown significant anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. Therefore, researches have focused on developing potent bioactive flavonoids. Recent researchers have focused on the development of potent drugs with minimal toxicity for cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy. The antibacterial activities of flavonoids against a wide range of microorganisms and their radical-scavenging ability are well known and reported. Therefore, one can conclude that flavonoids have actually become emerging therapeutic agents. <br /> Recommended applications/industries: In view of the pharmaceutical properties of various flavonoids such as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities, they could be used in pharmaceutical industries.