Phytochemistry, biological function and metabolism of Seleno-flavonoids

Selenoflavonoids (SeFs), emerging as a novel class of bioactive compounds that integrate selenium into flavonoid structures, have garnered significant attention due to their enhanced biological properties compared to conventional flavonoids. This review systematically analyzes recent advances in SeFs research, encompassing their structural characteristics, metabolic processes, and diverse biological functions. Studies reveal that selenium incorporation occurs primarily through the formation of covalent bonds between phenolic hydroxyl groups and selenium in its +4 oxidation state, resulting in compounds with superior bioavailability and reduced toxicity compared to inorganic selenium forms. The metabolic fate of SeFs involves complex pathways centered on hydrogen selenide (H2Se) as a crucial intermediate, with subsequent transformations regulated by selenium status and metabolic requirements. Extensive investigations demonstrate that SeFs exhibit remarkable therapeutic potential across multiple biological systems, including enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities through NF-κβ pathway modulation and GPx-mimetic properties, neuroprotective effects via regulation of protein aggregation and neuroinflammation, metabolic benefits through modulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis, and antitumor activities targeting multiple cellular pathways. Current challenges in SeFs research include the optimization of isolation techniques, scalable synthesis methodologies, and the need for deeper mechanistic understanding of their biological activities. These findings suggest that SeFs represent promising candidates for therapeutic applications, though further research is needed to fully elucidate their molecular mechanisms and clinical potential.