The Anticancer Potential of Apigenin Via Immunoregulation

Abstract

: Apigenin is an edible flavonoid widely distributed in natural plants including most vegetables and fruits. Previous studies have revealed that apigenin possesses multiple biological functions by demonstrating anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor and cardiovascular protective effects. Furthermore, recent progressions have disclosed a novel perspective of the anticancer roles of apigenin through its immunoregulatory functions. With the rapid progression of the groundbreaking strategies being developed for cancer immunotherapy, its immunoregulatory roles have become to be recognized as an intriguing feature of the multifaceted apigenin. However, our current understanding about this emerging role of apigenin still remains limited. Therefore, in the present review, we summarize recent advances on the immunoregulatory properties of apigenin in various diseases with a special focus on neoplasm. We briefly introduce clinical strategies of cancer immunotherapy and bring together findings on apigenin linked to immunoregulatory roles in immunotherapy-associated aspects. We discuss about the bioactivity, bioavailability, toxicity, and potential of apigenin to be considered as a therapeutic agent in antitumor immunotherapy. We summarize disclosed molecular mechanisms underlying the immunoregulatory roles of apigenin in cancer immunotherapy. Based on findings from the literature, apigenin has the potential to serve as a prospective adjuvant for anticancer immunotherapy and warrants further investigations.

The Herba Patriniae (Caprifoliaceae): A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control

“…Luteolin (75), apigenin (78) and scutellarin (80) were blong to flavones. All of them have been widely studied in cardiovascular and tumor fields ( Park et al, 2020 ; Xu et al, 2020 ; Bao et al, 2020 ). Isoorientin (82) and isovitexin (83) were two specific compounds in Herba Patriniae due to C-6 forming a C–C bond.…”

Immunoregulation by resveratrol; implications for normal tissue protection and tumour suppression

“…By making use of certain adjuvants in order to deplete or attenuate these cells, release of the aforementioned immunosuppressive molecules can be reduced. Moreover, natural agents such as resveratrol have been considered as high‐profile adjuvants for control of activities and secretions of such cells 59,121–124 . Attenuation of PD‐L1 expression and reductions in release of Th2 cytokines by immunosuppressive cells can help to evade immune system exhaustion.…”

“…Moreover, natural agents such as resveratrol have been considered as high-profile adjuvants for control of activities and secretions of such cells. 59,[121][122][123][124] Attenuation of PD-L1 expression and reductions in release of Th2 cytokines by immunosuppressive cells can help to evade immune system exhaustion. Differentiation of naïve T cells to NK cells or CD8+ T lymphocytes following administration of resveratrol can shift cytokine profile from Th2 to Th1.…”

A Mini-Review of Flavone Isomers Apigenin and Genistein in Prostate Cancer Treatment

“…Apigenin, 4′, 5, 7-trihydroxyflavone, is abundant in vegetables and certain foods that have been used as medicinal plants worldwide for centuries ( Salehi et al, 2019 ; Su et al, 2020 ; Xu et al, 2021 ). Genistein, 4′, 5, 7-trihydroxyisoflavone, was first reported in 1899, and its structure was identified in 1926 ( Jung et al, 2020 ).…”