2024, Volume 70(74), Issue 1 (January), pp. 81 - 88

Exploring Hesperidin's Therapeutic Potential in Cancer Therapy: A Review

MĂLINA MARIA CERNĂTESCU, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași, Faculty of Medicine, Iași, Romania, malinacernatescu1@gmail.com
CLAUDIA COBZARU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
CORINA CERNĂTESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania

pages 81 - 88   Download
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.11145798

Abstract
Hesperidin, a flavonoid abundant in citrus fruits, has gathered attention for its promising anti-cancer properties. This review explores the complex mechanisms through which hesperidin influences oncogenesis and tumour progression. Studies reveal hesperidin's ability to target key pathways involved in cancer development, including hypoxia-induced HIF-1α activation, oxidative stress-mediated signalling, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vitro and in vivo experiments showed hesperidin's capacity to inhibit angiogenesis, to suppress cell proliferation, and to induce apoptosis in various cancer models. Furthermore, hesperidin has been demonstrated to exhibit synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapy, thereby enhancing its anti-cancer efficacy, while simultaneously reducing its associated risks. Aside from the promising preclinical findings, further clinical studies are needed in order to elucidate hesperidin's therapeutic potential and to optimize its use in cancer treatment strategies. Understanding the complex interaction between hesperidin and cancer-related pathways could accelerate the development of novel therapeutic approaches, with the goal of preventing cancer progression and improving patient outcomes.
Keywords: Hesperidin, Cancer therapy, Hypoxia, Oxidative stress, Epithelial-mesenchymal transition.