Chrysin: Sources, beneficial pharmacological activities, and molecular mechanism of action

In recent years, public and scientific interest in plant flavonoids has tremendously increased because of their postulated health benefits. This review was mainly focuses on the flavone chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), which occurs naturally in many plants, honey, and propolis. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed the therapeutic effects of chrysin against various diseases. In general, chrysin exhibits many biological activities and pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities. Moreover, many studies have reported on the bioavailability of chrysin. Because of its compromised bioavailability and enhanced protein stability, chrysin solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) synthesis avoids proteolytic degradation and sustained release of drug delivery. To clarify the mechanism of action of chrysin, researchers have investigated the structural binding relationship of chrysin through the docking computation method. Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural polyphenol, occurs in many plants, honey, and propolis. It appears to have a blend of many pharmacological activities such as anticarcinogenic, pro-apoptotic, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pleotropic activities of chrysin are diverse, which involve combinations of cell signaling pathways at multiple levels of various diseases. Chrysin mitigates neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. [Display omitted] •Chrysin is a dietary phytochemical that is abundantly present in many plants.•Therapeutic benefits of chrysin remain nascent because of its bioavailability and absorption.•Chrysin mitigates neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.•Enzymes involved in the metabolism of chrysin have high affinity for the molecule.•Bioavailability of chrysin should be improved to allow its use as a therapeutic molecule.