Flavonoid pathway/antioxidant pathways

The "flavonoid pathway" refers to a network of biosynthetic pathways in plants responsible for producing flavonoids—a class of polyphenolic secondary metabolites involved in plant coloration, UV protection, and defense[1][2][3]. In human health research, flavonoids are noted for their capacity to modulate oxidative stress and potentially influence signaling pathways related to inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular health[1][5][6]. However, flavonoids themselves are not a single molecular target; rather, they encompass a broad group of molecules produced via complex enzymatic pathways (notably involving the shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways)[1][2]. "Antioxidant pathways" are similarly broad and refer to various cellular mechanisms—both enzymatic and non-enzymatic—that mitigate oxidative stress, including the action of enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as non-enzymatic compounds such as flavonoids[5]. Therefore, "Flavonoid pathway/antioxidant pathways" is an umbrella term, not a specific druggable molecule, and does not fit the definition of a canonical molecular target[1][2][3][5].

Other names

Flavonoid biosynthetic pathwayAntioxidant signaling pathwaysFlavonoid metabolism

No direct mechanism as these are not canonical targets; flavonoids act via ROS scavenging, modulation of signaling enzymes, gene expression