Progress in the study of anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of vitexin

Pharmacol Rep. 2025 Feb;77(1):124-134. doi: 10.1007/s43440-024-00664-8. Epub 2024 Oct 31.

Abstract

Vitexin (apigenin-8-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside) is a natural flavonoid derivative with anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-asthma, anti-epilepsy, and other therapeutic effects. It is extracted from pearl millet, hawthorn, pigeon bean, mung bean, and other medicinal plants. Vitexin has received widespread attention because of its significant anti-tumor effect. It induces apoptosis and anti-tumor angiogenesis, inhibits tumor cell migration and invasion, regulates tumor cell autophagy and immunity, and increases patient sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It has a significant anti-tumor effect on breast, prostate, liver, cervical, and colon cancers, gliomas, and other malignant tumors. This review demonstrates the latest research progress on the anti-tumor effects and potential mechanisms of vitexin. It summarizes its anti-tumor mechanism to provide new theoretical support and reference for cancer treatment.

Keywords: Anti-tumor; Mechanism of action; Research progress; Signal path; Vitexin.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic* / therapeutic use
  • Apigenin* / pharmacology
  • Apigenin* / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy

Substances

  • Apigenin
  • vitexin
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Antineoplastic Agents