Flavonoids extract from <i>Vitex negundo</i> inhibit autophagy by targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K/ULK signaling cascade in cancerous cells

<i>Vitex negundo</i> (<i>V. negundo</i>), an Indian herb with a rich historical background for the handling of various complaints, is a member of the Verbenaceae family and is characterized by small trees with pale gray bark. This herb is widely used and has been recognized in traditional medicine for its pharmacological effects on a wide range of diseases. All sections of the plant, but particularly the leaves, contain a variety of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycoside iridoids, tannins, and terpenes. The system is included in a number of store-bought herbal preparations and has the potential to function as an efficient bio-committee. Cancer continues to be a major cause of death and morbidity in spite of the intervention. One of the leading causes of death is cancer, and current therapies can have unpleasant side effects. Unhindered reactions, resistance to traditional cancer medications, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and restricted access to tumor tissue are some of the reasons why treatment frequently fails. To reduce side effects, increase chemotherapy sensitivity, and slow the spread of cancer, new approaches are required. Small food molecules have been suggested in numerous research as supplemental therapies for cancer patients. The effectiveness of the flavonoid-rich <i>V. negundo</i> extract in treating cancer was assessed mechanically in this investigation. Total flavonoids have been isolated for qualitative phytochemical investigation using <i>V. negundo</i> ethanolic extract. This article highlights significant developments in this field and explores how flavonoids contribute to the targeted suppression of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in different cancer types.