Efficacy Review of Flavonoid-Rich Nutraceuticals in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

PURPOSE Cancer, a leading cause of mortality globally, is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of malignant cells, often influenced by genetic predispositions and unhealthy lifestyle choices. This has led to a surge in the consumption of dietary supplements, particularly flavonoid-rich nutraceuticals, as individuals seek to adopt healthier lifestyles. Over the years, plant-derived flavonoids have garnered attention for their potential as chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents, attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. This review aims to critically assess existing literature on the health claims of specific flavonoids and their potential impact on cancer, as well as to examine the efficacy of flavonoid-rich dietary supplements in cancer prevention and treatment. METHODS The review synthesizes and critically evaluates available evidence from previous studies on the health claims of flavonoids and their impact on cancer. It also examines the efficacy of flavonoid-rich dietary supplements in cancer prevention and treatment. RESULTS The analysis suggests that flavonoid-rich dietary supplements, when consumed as nutraceuticals, may offer significant medical benefits with minimal toxicity, potentially aiding in cancer prevention and treatment by disrupting key cellular pathways involved in cancer progression. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential role of flavonoids in cancer management and highlights the need for further research in this area.