Anti-glioma Activity of Flavonoids from Various Structural Groups.
This review surveys scientific literature published mainly during the past five years to compile information on the anti-glioma activities of various flavonoid groups, with particular attention to structural modifications in flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and neoflavonoids.
This review is based on selective literature searches in scientific databases, mainly PubMed and Scopus.
Optimal lipophilicity is probably important for flavonoid action in lipidic tissues of the brain. Many studies on flavonoids have shown that their biological activity and pharmacophore depend on the presence of three rings, one of which is heterocyclic with an oxygen atom. This ring is formed by the connection between rings A and B and is essential for the pharmacophore structure. Its shortening in iso- and neo-flavonoids results in a decreased concentration of these compounds in natural sources and possibly a decreased biological activity. Various hydroxyl groups and other substituents do not alter the basic pharmacophore structure but contribute to changes in biological activities, resulting in the inhibition of many enzymes or signaling pathways by individual flavonoids.
In general, because of the variation in the structure, flavonoids are capable of interacting with a high number of biological targets. As a result, a compound or compounds with high anti-glioma activity may be discovered.
This review is based on selective literature searches in scientific databases, mainly PubMed and Scopus.
Optimal lipophilicity is probably important for flavonoid action in lipidic tissues of the brain. Many studies on flavonoids have shown that their biological activity and pharmacophore depend on the presence of three rings, one of which is heterocyclic with an oxygen atom. This ring is formed by the connection between rings A and B and is essential for the pharmacophore structure. Its shortening in iso- and neo-flavonoids results in a decreased concentration of these compounds in natural sources and possibly a decreased biological activity. Various hydroxyl groups and other substituents do not alter the basic pharmacophore structure but contribute to changes in biological activities, resulting in the inhibition of many enzymes or signaling pathways by individual flavonoids.
In general, because of the variation in the structure, flavonoids are capable of interacting with a high number of biological targets. As a result, a compound or compounds with high anti-glioma activity may be discovered.