Chrysin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities, including showing anticancer properties. However, its clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability and low solubility. The introduction of an amine, amide, ester, or alkoxy group to a flavone skeleton influences the biological activity. This review also discusses hybrid compounds, such as the chrysin–porphyrin hybrid, which are characterized by higher biological activity and better bioavailability properties than single molecules. This review concentrates on the anticancer activity of chrysin and its derivatives against the most popular cancers, such as breast, lung, prostate, and gastrointestinal tumors.

Flavones are natural substances widely distributed in fruits and vegetable. Their compounds are characterized by a broad spectrum of activities, including antioxidant activity. Their most interesting biological effect, however, is antihyperglycemic activity, mediated by the inhibition of α-glucosidase. A series of 7-hydroxyflavone derivatives was synthesized and comprehensively characterized using nuclear resonance magnetic spectroscopy. The biological potential of the synthesized derivatives was assessed through antioxidant (DPPH) and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were analyzed using in silico methods. Finally, molecular docking studies were performed to elucidate the binding mode of compounds within the catalytic site of α-glucosidase.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a major clinical challenge, with postprandial hyperglycemia (PPG) playing a key role in the development of vascular complications. Current pharmacotherapies often do not sufficiently control PPG, highlighting the need for complementary strategies. One effective approach is the inhibition of carbohydrate digesting enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which delays glucose absorption and reduces PPG excursions. Flavonoids, a diverse class of plant-derived polyphenols, exhibit multiple biological activities relevant to T2DM, including enzyme inhibition, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which flavonoids modulate glucose metabolism, with particular emphasis on their interactions with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Structure–activity relationships are discussed, focusing on the influence of hydroxylation patterns, conjugation, and molecular planarity on inhibitory potency and selectivity. Selected flavonoids—chrysin, apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin—are comparatively analyzed in terms of enzyme inhibition profiles, binding mechanisms, and selectivity. Evidence from in vitro studies, enzyme kinetics, and molecular docking highlights their differential activity, particularly the preferential inhibition of α-glucosidase over α-amylase, which may reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Overall, flavonoids represent promising modulators of PPG. However, their clinical relevance is limited by bioavailability and variability of experimental data, warranting further investigation.