Miscellaneous

Flavones as Emerging Modulators of Obesity-Associated Inflammation: Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Perspectives, and Comparison with Current Therapeutic Strategies

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Abstract

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by systemic low-grade inflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic impairment. The need for safe, multi-targeted interventions has fueled increased interest in dietary bioactives such as flavones, naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds abundant in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This manuscript highlights insights from recent mechanistic and translational research, which delineates how flavones such as apigenin mitigate obesity-induced inflammation through modulation of macrophage polarization, inhibition of NF-κB and STAT signaling pathways, and activation of AMPK- and Nrf2-dependent antioxidant responses. Unlike conventional pharmacotherapies and bariatric surgery, which primarily target weight loss and often carry adverse effects, flavones address underlying immunometabolic dysfunction and exhibit safe profiles in preclinical and early human studies. Evidence in diet-induced obese mice shows improvements in lipid homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, hepatic steatosis, and inflammatory cytokines at physiologically relevant dietary doses. Emerging human studies with flavonoid-rich preparations reveal favorable effects on inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic risk factors. Together, these data highlight significant translational potential for flavones as complementary or alternative approaches to existing obesity treatments, warranting well-designed clinical trials focused on efficacy, bioavailability optimization, and long-term safety.

Keywords: bioavailability, flavonoids, GLP-1, inflammation, macrophages

How to Cite:

Kariagina, A. & Doseff, A., (2025) “Flavones as Emerging Modulators of Obesity-Associated Inflammation: Mechanistic Insights, Clinical Perspectives, and Comparison with Current Therapeutic Strategies”, Journal of Medicinally Active Plants 14(4), 71–80. doi: https://doi.org/10.7275/jmap.3621