The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the human gamma-herpesviruses, is intricately linked to various human malignancies. Current treatment options for EBV infection involve the use of acyclovir and its derivatives, which exhibit limited efficacy and are associated with drug resistance issues. Therefore, there is a critical need for new medications with more effective therapeutic actions and less susceptibility to resistance. This review explores the therapeutic promise of flavones and flavonols, naturally occurring molecules, against EBV and its correlated cancers. It thoroughly delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of these compounds and scrutinizes their complex interplay in EBV-linked processes and cancer transformation by targeting key genes and proteins pivotal to both the viral life cycle and tumor development. Additionally, the review covers current research, highlights key findings, and discusses promising avenues for future investigations in the pursuit of targeted therapies against EBV and its related tumors.

• Keywords
• EBV life cycle, EBV-associated cancers, Epstein–Barr virus, anticancer effects, antiviral properties, flavones, flavonoids, flavonols, host–EBV interaction, viral and cellular genes, viral and cellular proteins,
• MeSH
• Antiviral Agents * pharmacology   therapeutic use   chemistry   MeSH
• Flavonols * pharmacology   therapeutic use   chemistry   MeSH
• Flavones * pharmacology   therapeutic use   chemistry   MeSH
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infections * drug therapy   complications   virology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neoplasms * drug therapy   virology   MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Herpesvirus 4, Human * drug effects   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Antiviral Agents * MeSH
• Flavonols * MeSH
• Flavones * MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents MeSH

Herpesviruses, a family of enveloped DNA viruses, pose significant threats to both humans and animals [...].

• Publication type
• Editorial MeSH

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA human virus that causes persistent infections with recurrent outbreaks. HSV exists in two forms: HSV-1, responsible for oral herpes, and HSV-2, primarily causing genital herpes. Both types can lead to significant complications, including neurological issues. Conventional treatment, involving acyclovir and its derivatives, faces challenges due to drug resistance. This underscores the imperative for continual research and development of new drugs, with a particular emphasis on exploring the potential of natural antivirals. Flavonoids have demonstrated promise in combating various viruses, including those within the herpesvirus family. This review, delving into recent studies, reveals the intricate mechanisms by which flavonoids decode their antiviral capabilities against HSV. By disrupting key stages of the viral life cycle, such as attachment to host cells, entry, DNA replication, latency, and reactivation, flavonoids emerge as formidable contenders in the ongoing battle against HSV infections.

• Keywords
• HSV life cycle, HSV-1, HSV-2, antiviral properties, cellular pathways, drug resistance, flavonoids, herpes simplex virus, host–virus interaction, natural antivirals, natural products,
• MeSH
• Antiviral Agents pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Flavonoids pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Herpes Simplex * drug therapy   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Herpesvirus 1, Human * physiology   MeSH
• Life Cycle Stages MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Antiviral Agents MeSH
• Flavonoids MeSH

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are cancer-causing viruses that belong to human gamma-herpesviruses. They are DNA viruses known to establish lifelong infections in humans, with the ability to develop various types of cancer. Drug resistance remains the main barrier to achieving effective therapies for viral infections and cancer. Thus, new medications with dual antiviral and anticancer actions are highly needed. Flavonoids are secondary metabolites biosynthesized by plants with diverse therapeutic effects on human health. In this review, we feature the potential role of flavonoids (flavones, protoflavones, isoflavones, flavanones, flavonols, dihydroflavonols, catechins, chalcones, anthocyanins, and other flavonoid-type compounds) in controlling gamma-herpesvirus-associated cancers by blocking EBV and KSHV infections and inhibiting the formation and growth of the correlated tumors, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, gastric cancer, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and primary effusion lymphoma. The underlying mechanisms via targeting EBV and KSHV life cycles and carcinogenesis are highlighted. Moreover, the effective concentrations or doses are emphasized.

• Keywords
• Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), anticancer properties, antiviral activities, cancer treatment, carcinogenesis, flavonoids, herpesviruses, molecular mechanisms, tumor viruses,
• MeSH
• Anthocyanins MeSH
• Flavonoids pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Herpesviridae * MeSH
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infections * drug therapy   MeSH
• Sarcoma, Kaposi * pathology   MeSH
• Carcinogenesis MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Herpesvirus 8, Human * genetics   MeSH
• Neoplasms * drug therapy   MeSH
• Herpesvirus 4, Human genetics   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Anthocyanins MeSH
• Flavonoids MeSH

Herpesviruses are one of the most contagious DNA viruses that threaten human health, causing severe diseases, including, but not limited to, certain types of cancer and neurological complications. The overuse and misuse of anti-herpesvirus drugs are key factors leading to drug resistance. Therefore, targeting human herpesviruses with natural products is an attractive form of therapy, as it might improve treatment efficacy in therapy-resistant herpesviruses. Plant polyphenols are major players in the health arena as they possess diverse bioactivities. Hence, in this article, we comprehensively summarize the recent advances that have been attained in employing plant non-flavonoid polyphenols, such as phenolic acids, tannins and their derivatives, stilbenes and their derivatives, lignans, neolignans, xanthones, anthraquinones and their derivatives, curcuminoids, coumarins, furanocoumarins, and other polyphenols (phloroglucinol) as promising anti-herpesvirus drugs against various types of herpesvirus such as alpha-herpesviruses (herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster virus), beta-herpesviruses (human cytomegalovirus), and gamma-herpesviruses (Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus). The molecular mechanisms of non-flavonoid polyphenols against the reviewed herpesviruses are also documented.

• Keywords
• Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), HSV-1, HSV-2, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), antiviral activity, herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), natural products, non-flavonoid polyphenols, polyphenols, varicella-zoster virus (VZV),
• MeSH
• Antiviral Agents pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Herpesviridae Infections * drug therapy   MeSH
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infections * drug therapy   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Polyphenols pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Herpesvirus 4, Human MeSH
• Herpesvirus 3, Human MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Antiviral Agents MeSH
• Polyphenols MeSH

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) is one of the most distinctive plants, characterized by excellent resistance to various environmental conditions. It is used as an ornamental plant and is recognized as a medicinal plant in both traditional and Western medicine. Its bioactive potential is associated with the presence of flavonoids and terpene trilactones, but many other compounds may also have synergistic effects. Flavonoid dimers-biflavonoids-are important constituents of ginkgophytopharmaceuticals. Currently, the presence of 13 biflavonoids has been reported in ginkgo, of which amentoflavone, bilobetin, sciadopitysin, ginkgetin and isoginkgetin are the most common. Their role in plants remains unknown, but their bioactivity and potential role in the management of human health are better investigated. In this review, we have provided an overview of the chemistry, diversity and biological factors that influence the presence of biflavonoids in ginkgo, as well as their bioactive and health-related properties. We have focused on their antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities as well as their potential role in the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlighted their potential toxicity and pointed out further research directions.

• Keywords
• Ginkgo biloba L., amentoflavone, biflavonoids, bilobetin, bioactive compounds, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, sciadopitysin,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH