The Effects and Mechanisms of Flavonoids on Cancer Prevention and Therapy: Focus on Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds which are ubiquitously found in plants and are consumed as part of the human diet in substantial amounts. The verification of flavonoids' cancer chemopreventive benefits has led to a significant interest in this field. Gut microbiota includes a diverse community of microorganisms and has a close relationship with cancer development. Increasing evidence has indicated that flavonoids exert anticarcinogenic effects by reshaping gut microbiota. Gut microbiota can convert flavonoids into bioactive metabolites that possess anticancer activity. Here, we present a brief introduction to gut microbiota and provide an overview of the interplay between gut microbiota and cancer pathogenesis. We also highlight the crucial roles of flavonoids in preventing cancer based on their regulation of gut microbiota. This review would encourage research on the flavonoid-intestinal microbiota interactions and clinical trials to validate the chemotherapeutic potentials of targeting gut microbiota by dietary bioactive compounds.

Intervention Effects of Okra Extract on Brain-Gut Peptides and Intestinal Microorganisms in Sleep Deprivation Rats

“…The main active ingredient of okra fruit extract is flavonoid. It is broadly acknowledged that flavonoid compounds can modulate intestinal bacteria [ 44 , 45 , 47 , 90 ]. Specifically, baicalin, a plant-derived flavonoid, has a variety of biological activities, which inhibits lung injury by manipulating the production of intestinal bacteria and short-chain fatty acids [ 91 ], improves metabolic abnormalities and intestinal bacteria, and reduces diet-induced metabolic syndrome [ 92 ].…”

“…Previous studies have also reported the isolation of natural free flavonoid compounds and their derivatives from okra fruit [41][42][43]. It is noteworthy that flavonoid compounds are capable of regulating intestinal bacteria and playing a defensive role against diseases [44][45][46][47]. However, there are few clinical and experimental studies at home and abroad to assess the effects of okra fruit extract on SD-induced intestinal flora imbalance and BGPs.…”

Emerging Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Aortic Dissection

“…It has been reported that miRNAs can regulate the expression of many genes involved in functional interaction pathways by targeting their mRNAs [ 89 ]. In mammals, miRNAs control the activity of about 50% of protein-coding genes and are indispensable regulators in a variety of physiological and pathological processes by modulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration [ 90 , 91 , 92 ]. Therefore, the dysregulation of miRNAs contributes to the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, aneurysm, Kawasaki disease, AD, venous thrombosis, and microvascular complications of diabetes [ 91 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 ].…”

Non-coding RNA in cancer drug resistance: Underlying mechanisms and clinical applications

“…Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease globally, representing a serious threat to patients’ life and health ( 1 , 2 ). Based on recent statistics from the International Agency for Research, approximately 19.3 million new cancer cases and more than 10.0 million deaths occurred in 2020 ( 3 ).…”