CHSJ

Curr Health Sci J, vol. 38, no. 4, 2012

Molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancerous action of flavonoids

[Review]

D.I. HERTZOG, OANA-SORINA TICA

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Department of Pharmacology


Abstract:

Flavonoids are phenol compounds present in the pigments of fruit, vegetables, green tea and red wine. They have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancerous, anti-coagulant and anti-cholesterol effects. A few molecular mechanisms through which flavonoids exert their anti-cancer action are presented. One of the molecular mechanisms on which their anti-cancer action is based is their anti-oxidant activity which is exerted through the direct removal of the free radicals, the interaction with cell membranes, or the inhibition of xanthine-oxidase activity, an important source of ROS (radical oxygen species). Another is that by which flavonoids interact with the pathways signaling cell growth and apoptosis. Flavonoids interact with the signaling pathways for PI3-kinase, Akt/Pkb, tyrosine-kinase, P1KC and MAP-kinase. The same flavonoids may alter growth signaling by inhibiting receptor phosphorylation or by arresting growth factors binding to receptors. The activation of apoptosis genes is a characteristic of quercetin (a flavonol) which, in high concentration, induces thymidylate synthase – mediated apoptosis.  In association with other drugs, flavonoids might prove useful in the treatment of cancer


Keywords: lavonoids, anti-oxidant activity, signaling pathways, cell death 



Corresponding: Dan Ionut Hertzog, Univeristy of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Str Petru Rares nr. 4, 200456, Craiova, Dolj, Romania, email: dan.hertzog@yahoo.com


DOI 10.12865/CHSJ.38.04.01 - Download PDF
current issue cover Download cover
Download contents

Journal archive