Chrysin: Perspectives on Contemporary Status and Future Possibilities as Pro-Health Agent

Abstract

Chrysin belongs to the group of natural polyphenols. It can be found, among others, in honey, propolis and fruits and has a wide range of biological activities, including the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation, neurodegeneration and carcinogenesis. Being a part of the human diet, chrysin is considered to be a promising compound to be used in the prevention of many diseases, including cancers, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Nevertheless, due to the low solubility of chrysin in water and under physiological conditions, its bioavailability is low. For this reason, attempts at its functionalization have been undertaken, aiming to increase its absorption and thus augment its in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent research on chrysin, including its sources, metabolism, pro-health effects and the effects of its functionalization on biological activity and pharmacological efficacy, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

Protective Effects of Chrysin against Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats: A Biochemical and Histopathological Approach

“…Moreover, the antioxidant activity of Chy in CyC treated rats was also reflected from its aptness to decrease cardiac MDA levels, mimicking other earlier studies. [18,34] Aside the prevalent role that oxidative stress plays in CyC induced cardiotoxicity, inflammatory reactions have also been reported to contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of CyC induced toxicity. [5] Several studies have illustrated that the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines notably IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β are prevalently increased in oxidative cardiac damage.…”

Caloric Restriction Mimetics in Nutrition and Clinical Trials

“…Notable plant sources include Astragalus (roots) which has been in medical use in Asia for more than 4,000 years, and Cuscuta (dodder) seeds which are also traditionally used in Asian folk medicine and Cassia alata , among many other plants [reviewed in ( 37 )]. Similarly, chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is found in various (medicinal) plants, herbs and fruits and products thereof, including honey [up to 5.3 mg/kg in forest honey, ( 87 )], propolis [up to 28 g/L, ( 88 )], passion flowers ( 89 ) and mushrooms at varying levels below 0.5 mg/kg ( 90 , 91 ), among other sources [reviewed in ( 40 )]. Like other polyphenols, it exerts a wide range of biological activities, but its intake levels from nutrition, stability in food items and bioavailability are poorly understood.…”

Neuroprotective Potential of Chrysin: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Potential for Neurological Disorders

“…Moreover, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have been proposed as potential effective agents in neuroinflammatory diseases, including MS, due to their neuroprotective and immunosuppressive effects. Chrysin can block HDAC expression and reduce neuroinflammation in an EAE model [114]. It also causes weight loss, lowering cytotoxicity in animals, suggesting that HDAC inhibition by chrysin may be beneficial in the rodent EAE model [93].…”