Abstract
<jats:p>Natural flavonoids are naturally occurring polyphenolic bioactive compounds widely distributed in plants. To date, over 9,000 structural derivatives have been identified, which are extensively present in vegetables, fruits, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and other plant sources. Based on structural differences, they are categorized into 9 subclasses, each with distinct characteristics in source, bioactivity, and application. Flavonoid extraction technology has evolved from traditional methods such as solvent extraction to highly efficient techniques, including ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and enzyme-assisted extraction; breakthroughs in microbial synthesis technology have also opened up new avenues for large-scale production. Preclinical and clinical studies confirm that flavonoids, as representative multitarget natural products, exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antitumor effects by regulating key signaling pathways such as NF-κB and Nrf2. In disease management, flavonoids exhibit notable therapeutic potential in chronic inflammation, malignant tumors, infectious diseases, and acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, with robust experimental and epidemiological evidence supporting their cardioprotective effects. Moreover, they can synergize with other flavonoids or clinical agents to enhance efficacy. Despite substantial progress, flavonoids still face challenges, including low bioavailability and incompletely elucidated mechanisms of action. This review systematically summarizes the discovery, structural classification, extraction and synthesis techniques, pharmacological mechanisms and application research of flavonoids. It focuses on summarizing their application methods and research progress across various disease categories,and provides guidance for addressing the limitations of current treatment approaches.</jats:p>