: Flavonoids, commonly found in various plants, are a class of poly-phenolic compounds having a basic structural unit of 2-phenylchromone. Flavonoid compounds have attracted much attention due to their wide biological applications. In order to facilitate further research on biomedical application of flavonoids, we surveyed the literature published on the use of flavonoids in medicine during the past decade, documented the commonly found structures in natural flavonoids, and summarized their pharmacological activities as well as associated mechanisms of action against variety of health disorders including chronic inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular complications and hypoglycemia. In this mini-review, we provide suggestions for further research on the biomedical applications of flavonoids.

A copper-mediated decarboxylative coupling reaction of 3-indoleacetic acids with pyrazolones was described. This protocol realized new functionalization of pyrazolones under simple reaction conditions and exhibited high functional group compatibility and broad substrate scope. Notably, the products displayed antiproliferative activity against cancer cells.

Herein, we present a copper-mediated decarboxylative sulfonylation of arylacetic acids with sodium sulfinates that provides viable access to sulfone compounds. This protocol features readily available feedstocks, simple operations, high regioselectivities, and moderate to good yields. The newly obtained products could be converted to other useful compounds. Importantly, the products and their derivatives exhibited potent antitumor activities in vitro, which were tested by MTT assay.

Here, we describe a copper-mediated tandem decarboxylative coupling/annulation protocol of o-hydroxyaryl enaminones with 3-indoleacetic acids. A series of 3-indolmethyl-chromones were afforded in up to 97% yield. A one-pot method for 3-indolmethyl-chromones from o-hydroxy acetophenones, N, N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal, and 3-indoleacetic acids was also developed. Derivatization of the products was conducted to provide various indolmethyl-substituted pyrimidines. Moreover, a biological evaluation revealed that some compounds had anti-influenza viral activities.

A metal-free synthesis of 1,4-benzodiazepines and quinazolinones from hexafluoroisopropyl 2-aminobenzoates has been developed at room temperature.