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