Flavonoids as epigenetic modulators: A new frontier in disease prevention and therapy

Flavonoids, a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found in plants, have garnered significant attention for their potential role in modulating epigenetic mechanisms and their implications in disease prevention and treatment. This review explores the multifaceted influence of flavonoids on key epigenetic processes, including, Non-coding RNA regulation histone modifications and DNA methylation. By targeting these mechanisms, flavonoids such as genistein, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and curcumin demonstrate promising therapeutic potential in combating diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. The review highlights the ability of flavonoids to restore normal epigenetic patterns, suppress tumor growth, enhance neuroprotection, and regulate metabolic pathways. However, challenges such as limited bioavailability, translational gaps between preclinical and clinical studies, and the need for robust clinical validation remain. Despite these hurdles, flavonoids hold immense promise as adjuvants in epigenetic therapy and synergistic agents with existing drugs. This review underscores the importance of further research to fully harness the therapeutic potential of flavonoids as epigenetic modulators in disease prophylaxis and treatment.