Title:Mechanism of Action of Flavonoids in Prevention of Inflammation- Associated Skin Cancer
Volume: 23
Issue: 32
Author(s): Vazhappilly Cijo George, Vijayabhavanath Vijayakumaran Vijesh, Dehigaspege Inoka Madumani Amararathna, Chelakkot Ayshwarya Lakshmi, Kannan Anbarasu, Devanga Ragupathi Naveen Kumar, Kannatt Radhakrishnan Ethiraj, Rangasamy Ashok Kumar and H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Skin cancer, Inflammation, Flavonoids, Chemoprevention, Mechanism of action, Melanoma.
Abstract: Skin cancer in humans represents about 30% of all new cancers
and is by far the most common malignancy in the Caucasian population. Exposure
to radiations especially ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is the major
cause for development of skin cancers along with other chemical or biological
factors. The growing incidence rates of skin cancer around the world,
demand the need for new treatment options. Understanding the etiology and
pathogenesis of skin cancer is therefore crucial for developing an effective
drug against this prevailing disease. Medicinal plants are rich with numerous
secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, which are now known to treat
various chronic diseases, including inflammations and cancers. Flavonoids
are sub-classified in to flavones, flavonols, iosflavones, flavanones, flavanols and anthocyanidins.
They act on different targets including scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS),
regulation of the cell cycle, and initiation of DNA repair mechanisms, apoptotic induction
and inhibition of metastasis. Innumerable evidence suggested that an increased consumption
of flavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables rendered DNA protection to normal skin exposed to
carcinogens such as UV-B radiation. Flavonoids also showed the potential to induce cell
death mechanisms in melanoma, the most dreadful form of skin cancer. This comprehensive
review presents flavonoids and their mechanism of action in relation to inflammation and
skin cancer management.