Flavonoids: A nutraceutical and its role as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agent

Abstract

Medicinal plants nowadays are the richest source of various medicinal agents which possess many significant therapeutic and biological properties. They contain secondary metabolites, which do not directly take part in the growth of plants but are protective against different diseases. As microorganisms are developing resistance against various diseases, so herbal formulations are widely prepared and used for the treatment of disease. Various phytochemicals are present in plants like flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, tannins, glycosides, and so on. They are present in various parts of the plant (roots, shoots, leaves, flowers, fruit, etc.) and in different concentrations. These phytochemicals play significant roles such as photoprotectant, disease-protective agents, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, antimetastatic agents, and so on. Flavonoids, one of the important phytoconstituents present in plants, are present in fruits and vegetables in different quantities particularly in green tea and wine. They are categorized/classified into six groups, namely, flavonols, flavanols (catechins), flavanones, flavones, anthocyanins, and isoflavonoids. They effectively protect the body from major diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, chlotis, and inflammation. They also boost up the immune system. This chapter highlights the diversity of flavonoids, their classification, and their role as anticancer and anti-inflammatory agent.