Flavonoid–Metal Ion Complexes: A Novel Class of Therapeutic Agents

Abstract

Flavonoids are among the most investigated phytochemicals due to their pharmacological and therapeutic activities. Their ability to chelate with metal ions has resulted in the emergence of a new category of molecules with a broader spectrum of pharmacological activities. However, the biological significance of these flavonoid-metal ion complexes is yet to be completely explored. Moreover, no concerted efforts have been made to elucidate their molecular targets and mechanisms of action. This review attempts to provide a snapshot of the various biological activities reported for flavonoid-metal ion complexes and their potential as therapeutic agents. Understanding the mechanism of action and the influence of structure will provide a strong basis to design novel flavonoid-metal ion complexes of therapeutic significance.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity of Mn(II)-Morin Complex

“…The stable yellowish brown complex product is soluble in solvents such as EtOH, MeOH, DMF and DMSO, moderately soluble in CHCl 3 and Me 2 CO, where as completely insoluble in CCl 4 and water. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of the complex are given in Table 2.…”

“…Recently many strenuous efforts are undertaken to synthesize and characterize the novel type of metal flavonoid complexes due to their potential role in different fields. Rutin, morin, quercetin and other types of flavonoids forming transition metal complexes that may appreciably change the chemical properties of their analogous parent molecules [3][4][5][6].…”

Effect of Mixed Solvent System on Intramolecular Interactions of Metal Mediated Ternary Complexes of Beta-Hydroxy Ketone Derivatives and Benzotriazole Derivatives in Solution.

“…A metal ion interactions with various ligands is an extremely diversified field [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11], because the interaction as well as the resulting complex can have different applications in the biological field [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21], development of luminescent materials, color stabilizing agents for toners in color photography, catalysts, therapeutic advantage [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34], in the electronic display devices [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47] or fluorescent probes [48][49][50]…”

Flavonoid Complexes as Promising Anticancer Metallodrugs

“…Their complexes, on the other hand, are bulkier, and display more diversified mechanisms of interaction with DNA, including "major" or "minor groove" binding and/or intercalation. Due to their structural planarity, flavonoid complexes are prone to act as intercalators [99]. Moreover, the emergence of electrostatic interactions between the metal cation and anionic phosphate groups of DNA structure stabilizes the adducts formed between the complexes and DNA.…”