Analysis of Flavonoid Bioactives in Combating HPV Infection: Potential for the Development of Cervical Cancer Therapy

Abstrak

Introduction: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer and ranks fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. The high incidence rate and current limitations of treatment are the basis for studying the potential of flavonoid compounds which are natural resources of Indonesia as an alternative anti-HPV therapy.

Method: The method used is a narrative literature review with literature collection carried out through the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. The selected articles were those published in the last ten years (2014-2024) and are available in abstract and full text.

Results: Flavonoids have significant potential as anti-HPV agents with mechanisms involving apoptosis induction and inhibition of oncoprotein pathways, such as E6 and c-Myc, in cervical cancer cells. Several natural sources such as banana peel with a content of 20.76 mg qe/g, seeds of the fruit of the boils with a content of 423.60 mg qe/g, and leaves of the matoa with a content of 15.884 mg qe/g are proven to be rich in flavonoids and offer opportunities for the development of HPV infection treatment therapy.

Conclusion: Flavonoids have good potential as anti-HPV in preventing cervical cancer with different mechanisms according to the type of compound. Flavonoid content can be found in banana peel, seeds of the fruit of the boils, red onion waste, and matoa.