Flavonoids as bioenhancers: A critical review on their potential to improve drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to explore how flavonoids can enhance the bioavailability and effectiveness of various medicinal substances as bioenhancers. The focus is on examining the interactions of flavonoids with medications, enzymes, and biological barriers to improve therapeutic outcomes. The main aim is to demonstrate the potential benefits of incorporating flavonoids as additives in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance drug delivery and improve health outcomes.

Methods

Comprehensive literature search was undertaken, covering research from early developments to current findings, using online search tools (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus).

Results

The review findings suggest that flavonoids have significant potential as bioenhancers, playing a crucial role in increasing the bioavailability and efficacy of different medicinal compounds. Through synergistic interactions with medications and biological systems, flavonoids contribute to improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, the review also pointed the pathways that underlie flavonoid-mediated bio-enhancement, and synergistic actions illuminating their potential use in pharmaceutical formulations for enhanced clinical efficacy and optimised drug delivery.

Conclusion

This review underscores the significant role of flavonoids as bioenhancers, highlighting their ability to synergistically improve the bioavailability and efficacy of pharmaceutical compounds. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms of flavonoid-drug interactions, this study provides valuable insights for leveraging flavonoids in drug delivery strategies mainly in the area of cancer and antibiotic therapy.