Potential therapeutic activities and novel delivery systems of chrysin-a nature’s boon

Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients that have gained attention as dietary supplements due to their broad spectrum of therapeutic properties and negligible side effects. Chrysin, a 5,7-dihydroxyflavone, has been explored for various pharmacological effects in the last few decades. Despite vast biological activities, the use of this polyphenol seems to be compromised due to low solubility, extensive pre-systemic metabolism and thus very poor oral bioavailability. The present review elucidates various pharmacological actions of chrysin such as cardioprotective, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidiabetic activities with the help of reported scientific studies. Additionally, it focuses on different formulations developed for chrysin to increase its absorption and subsequent bioavailability. This review thus analyses the beneficial effects of chrysin and gives an overview of possible techniques adopted to increase its systemic bioavailability.