Abstract
Flavonoids are some of the most precious phytochemicals, believed to be found largely in terrestrial plants. With the advancement of phytochemical research and marine bioprospecting, flavonoids have also been reported by the research of microalgae and macroalgae. High growth rate with minimal nutritional and growth requirement, saving arable land and rich metabolic profile make microalgae an excellent repertoire of novel anticancer compounds, such as flavonoids. In addition, marine algae, especially seaweeds contain different types of flavonoids which are assumed to have unique chemical structures and bioactivities than their terrestrial counterparts. Flavonoids are not only good antioxidants but also have the abilities to kill cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. However, the study of the anticancer properties of flavonoids is largely limited to terrestrial plants. This review offers an insight into the distribution of different classes of flavonoids in eukaryotic microalgae, cyanobacteria and seaweeds with their possible anticancer activities. In addition, extraction and purification methods of these flavonoids have been highlighted. Finally, prospects and challenges to use algal flavonoids as anticancer agents have been discussed.
Highlights
Cancer is ranked as the second-highest cause of death and accounts for about 10 million death in 2020 [1]
Natural drugs have reduced side effects and the potential to target various tumorigenesis-related signaling pathways. Considering all of these advantages, natural products research is burgeoning to search for novel anticancer compounds from terrestrial plants and microorganisms and from marine organisms [2]
Microalgae and seaweeds are both suitable sources of different classes of flavonoids
Summary
Cancer is ranked as the second-highest cause of death and accounts for about 10 million death in 2020 [1]. Natural drugs have reduced side effects and the potential to target various tumorigenesis-related signaling pathways Considering all of these advantages, natural products research is burgeoning to search for novel anticancer compounds from terrestrial plants and microorganisms and from marine organisms [2]. A total of 14 marine-derived drugs are available on the market and 9 of them are used for cancer therapy Another 19 compounds from the marine organisms are in different phases of cancer clinical trials. Flavonoids are the most common plant polyphenols that are incorporated into our diet abundantly Their complex molecular structures are related to biological functions in the human body. Flavonoids derived from higher plants are successful in killing cancer cells and some of them are in different phases of clinical trials. Flavanols (catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin), Flavanones (naringenin and hesperetin), Flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol or myricetin), Isoflavones (genistein and daidzein), Flavones (apigenin and luteolin) and Anthocyanidins are the groups (Figure 2) found in plant and algae [41]
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