• Green-Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Using Flavonoids: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy against Cancer
  • Kimia Asadi,1 Ehsan Karimi,2,*
    1. Department of Biology, Ma. C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, IRAN
    2. Department of Biology, Ma. C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, IRAN


  • Introduction: The green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using flavonoids has gained significant attention as an eco-friendly and biocompatible approach to developing novel anticancer agents. Flavonoids, including apigenin, quercetin, morin, naringenin, rutin, hesperidin, and silibinin, act as natural reducing and stabilizing agents. This process facilitates the formation of stable SeNPs with nanoscale dimensions and a negative surface charge. The combination of the biological activity of flavonoids with the redox properties of selenium presents a promising platform for cancer therapy
  • Methods: This review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search to collect recent findings related to the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using flavonoids and their anticancer activities. Relevant scientific articles published between 2010 and 2025 were retrieved from major databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar.
  • Results: Flavonoid-mediated SeNPs have shown selective cytotoxicity in various cancer cell models, including breast cancers (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231), colon cancer (HT-29), lung cancer, liver cancer (HepG2), and prostate cancer (PC-3). Studies indicate that the effects of flavonoid-mediated SeNPs often surpass those of free flavonoids alone. Their anticancer potential is attributed to enhanced cellular uptake, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of intrinsic apoptosis pathways, cell cycle arrest, and modulation of oncogenic signaling networks, such as PI3K/Akt and NF-κB. In addition to their direct cytotoxic effects, these nanoparticles exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help modulate the tumor microenvironment and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. Moreover, incorporating flavonoids into SeNP structures improves nanoparticle stability, prevents aggregation, and may prolong their biological half-life—advantages that are particularly beneficial for in vivo applications. Several studies highlight that these features lead to improved bioavailability and controlled release of bioactive compounds. Despite promising results from in vitro and in vivo studies, most current research remains preclinical, with a lack of clinical evidence to support human therapeutic use. Therefore, future studies should focus on detailed pharmacokinetic evaluations, comprehensive toxicity profiling, and the development of scalable, reproducible green synthesis protocols to facilitate clinical translation and ensure safety and efficacy.
  • Conclusion: Overall, selenium nanoparticles synthesized using flavonoids represent a multifunctional nanoplatform that combines the beneficial bioactivities of natural phytochemicals with the physicochemical versatility of selenium, holding significant promise for advancing the next generation of anticancer therapeutics.
  • Keywords: Green synthesis, Nanoparticle, Selenium, Flavonoids, Cancer