Flavonoids as therapeutic agents in cancer: insights into their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles

Abstract Flavonoids are a diverse group of bioactive compounds found in almost all plant species. Among their many pharmacological properties, flavonoids exhibit significant anti-cancer potential, primarily through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Oxidative stress and inflammation are well-known contributors to the initiation, development, and progression of cancer, and flavonoids play a vital role in reducing these processes. They neutralize free radicals, enhance the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes, and regulate cellular pathways involved in redox balance. Additionally, they inhibit tumor cell growth, induce apoptosis, prevent the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and modulate inflammatory responses by promoting anti-inflammatory molecules and reducing pro-inflammatory mediators. Flavonoids also influence key signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and NF-κB, which are central to oxidative stress and inflammation in cancer biology. This review article examines the molecular mechanisms behind the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids, with a specific emphasis on their potential in cancer therapy.