Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) are flavonoid compounds that bear two or more methoxy groups on their basic benzo-γ-pyrone skeleton and have a carbonyl group at the C4 position. Commonly found in citrus plants, over 20 have been identified and they show a range of biological activity, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-viral, and antioxidative properties.
Hang Xiao and co-workers, University of Massachusetts, USA, have examined the anti-cancer role of three 5-hydroxy PMFs. The 5-hydroxy PMFs under study were shown to have more pronounced effects on human colon cancer HCT116 and HT29 cells than their permethoxylated counterparts.
Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that three 5-hydroxy PMFs produced different effects on the cell cycle and apoptosis, which may suggest that three 5-hydroxy PMFs act through different mechanisms.
Figure: Chemical structures of permethoxylated PMFs and 5-hydroxy PMFs.
- Inhibitory effects of 5-hydroxy polymethoxyflavones on colon cancer cells
P. Qiu, P. Dong, H. Guan, S. Li, C.-T. Ho, M.-H. Pan, D. J. McClements, H. Xiao,
Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2010, 54, S244–S252.
DOI 10.1002/mnfr.200900605
