Chalcones: Plant-Derived Metabolic Regulators

Derived from plants, flavonoid compounds are natural components present in various plant parts, playing essential roles in the growth and defense mechanisms of vegetables.

Marked by their structural diversity, flavonoids are typically classified into seven subclasses: flavonols, flavones, isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavanones, flavanols, and chalcones, each with distinct primary sources.

Chalcones, a specific subgroup of flavonoids, are inherent in edible plants and are recognized by the absence of 'ring C' in the fundamental flavonoid skeleton, making them open-chain flavonoids. Examples such as phloridzin, arbutin, phloretin, and chalconaringenin are present in substantial quantities in tomatoes, pears, strawberries, bearberries, and specific wheat products.

Studies suggest that chalcones, whether naturally occurring or artificially synthesized, have the potential to influence carbohydrate pathways, particularly glucose metabolism. Experimental responses in both in vitro and in vivo settings validate the effectiveness of chalcones as agents with antihyperglycemic and/or hypoglycemic properties.

Coined by Stanisław Kostanecki and Josef Tambor, the term "chalcone" is linked to compounds showcasing a broad range of biological activities. Chalcones are gaining increased attention due to their anticancer and chemopreventive effects, positioning chemoprevention as a promising strategy to impede various cancer cells or reverse the processes of carcinogenesis.
Chalcones: Plant-Derived Metabolic Regulators