Flavonoids and chalcones, widely recognised for their diverse biological activities, have garnered attention due to their potential therapeutic applications. This review discusses fluorinated flavonoids and chalcones, focusing on their prospective anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiosteoporotic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic applications. The enhanced biological activities of fluorinated derivatives, particularly the antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties, are attributed to the introduction of fluorine groups, which increase lipophilicity and metabolic stability. Key findings indicate that fluorinated flavonoids and chalcones exhibit synergistic effects with antibiotics, inhibit bacterial efflux pumps, and reveal potent antiviral and anticancer properties. However, challenges such as cytotoxicity and structural optimisation have to be addressed. The synthesis of fluorinated flavonoids and chalcones is discussed, with emphasis on various synthetic methods such as condensation and cyclisation reactions starting from fluorinated precursors, as well as fluorination strategies, including the use of molecular fluorine or fluorinating agents. Fluorinated flavonoids and chalcones represent candidates for therapeutic development and have the potential to overcome drug resistance. However, further studies are necessary to adjust their pharmacological profiles.

The challenges associated with solubility and bioavailability of porphyrinoid-type photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy require solutions that are based on modern drug carriers, including polymeric nanoparticles. With that in mind this review discusses poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid, PLGA)-based polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating selected well-known photosensitizers, such as protoporphyrin IX, tetrahydroxyphenylporphyrin, chlorin e6, and tetracarboxyphenylporphyrin, with a view to the physicochemical and biological properties. Also discussed are their potential medical applications towards photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy. PLGA-based nanoparticles, encapsulating photosensitizers, were analysed in terms of particle size, surface charge, morphology, loading efficiency, release kinetics, and stability. Moreover, the cellular uptake and subcellular localisation of carriers were considered in correlation to polymer composition and surface functionalisation. Special attention was given to how PEGylation, lipid-hybrid coatings, or the incorporation of additional therapeutic or imaging agents has modulated both the physicochemical properties and biological activities of photosensitizers. The comparative assessment of different porphyrinoid-based photosensitizers highlighted how hydrophobicity, amphiphilicity, and molecular structure have an influence on encapsulation efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, issues such as the premature release of photosensitizers, along with limited bioavailability, and limited penetration through biological barriers were addressed as well as some proposed mitigation strategies. Overall, this review highlights the versatility of PLGA nanoparticles as a powerful platform for photosensitizer delivery, with promising implications for advancing polymer-based nanomedicine and improving the efficacy of photodynamic therapy.

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, belonging to the category of compounds known as tannins and flavonoids. One of the polyphenols found in large amounts in green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) is epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG). Though EGCG has shown some pharmacological effects, to date, it has not been utilised as a therapeutic agent. This is attributed to the fact that EGCG lacks adequate stability, and it is known to degrade through epimerization or auto-oxidation processes, especially when it is exposed to light, temperature fluctuations, some pH values, or the presence of oxygen. Consuming green tea with EGCG can alleviate the effects of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, and support faster bone regeneration in the case of fractures. Therefore, this review focuses on the current state of research, highlighting the effects of EGCG on bone biology, such as enhancing osteoblast differentiation, promoting bone mineralisation, improving bone microarchitecture, and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis through the modulation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. Additionally, EGCG exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dose-dependent effects on bone cells. It also downregulates inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2) and reduces oxidative stress via the inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation and the activation of protective signalling pathways (e.g., MAPK and NF-κB). Studies in animal models confirm that EGCG supplementation leads to increased bone mass and strength. These findings collectively support the further exploration of EGCG as an adjunct in the treatment and prevention of metabolic bone diseases. The authors aim to present the relationship between EGCG and bone health, highlighting issues for future research and clinical applications.