Pharmacological Potential of Chrysin in Cardiovascular Disease: A Focus on Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Signaling Pathways

Introduction: Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavonoid primarily found in propolis, honey, and passionflower. This review aims to compile information on the pharmacokinetic profiles and therapeutic actions of chrysin, particularly in cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The study was conducted through a literature survey of original research articles published in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google, using keywords such as “chrysin,” “cardiovascular diseases,” “pharmacological activities,” and “molecular mechanism.” Results: Despite its promising bioactivity, chrysin's clinical application is limited by poor oral bioavailability due to rapid metabolism and restricted absorption. Modern drug delivery techniques, including nanoparticles and liposomes, have been explored to enhance its bioavailability. Pharmacologically, chrysin shows potent effects in managing cardiovascular diseases, including cardioprotective activity via modulation of Nrf2, NF-κB, AKT, and MAPK pathways, anti-ischemic effects through JAK1/STAT3 and NF-κB pathways, and antihypertensive effects via NO/cGMP, SOCE, and NF-κB pathways. It also exhibits other pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective, anti-Alzheimer’s, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, wound healing, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Discussion: Chrysin enhances the intrinsic antioxidative defense system, and the mitogenactivated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa-B pathways are important molecular targets predominantly modulated by these processes. Conclusion: This review concludes that chrysin is a bioactive compound effective in many diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases. However, due to its limited efficacy in oral formulations, alternative delivery methods are preferable for its administration.