The Journal of Society Medicine (JSOCMED)
Vol. 5 No. 5 (2026): May

Flavonoids in Sepsis: Mechanistic Modulation of Inflammatory Pathways and Therapeutic Potential-A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies

Yunita Dewani (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia)
Gusbakti Rusip (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia)
Boyke Marthin Simbolon (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome driven by dysregulated host immunity, excessive inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial injury, and immunosuppression. Flavonoids are bioactive polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects; however, their therapeutic relevance in sepsis remains primarily preclinical. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase to identify controlled in vivo studies that evaluated the effects of flavonoids in experimental sepsis or endotoxemia. Eligible studies compared flavonoid-treated animals with septic controls and reported survival, organ injury, inflammatory, oxidative, and mechanistic outcomes. Evidence was qualitatively synthesized, with survival findings contextualized using relevant preclinical meta-analytic data. Results: Eighty eligible studies were synthesized, predominantly rodent models using lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia or cecal ligation and puncture. More than 30 flavonoids have been reported, including quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin, fisetin, and orientin. Flavonoids reduce TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, oxidative stress, and organ injury in the pulmonary, renal, hepatic, and cardiovascular systems. Aggregated evidence suggests approximately 50% higher survival in flavonoid-treated animals. The mechanisms included NF-κB and MAPK inhibition, Nrf2/HO-1 activation, endothelial protection, and macrophage polarization. The limitations of this study include the prophylactic designs, heterogeneity, and limited clinical evidence. Conclusion: Flavonoids exhibit consistent multi-target immunomodulatory and organ-protective effects in experimental sepsis. Translation requires standardized post-insult studies, improved bioavailability, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and early phase clinical trials.

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Journal Info

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Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

The Journal of Society Medicine (JSOCMED) | ISSN (e): 2964-5565 is a leading voice in the Indonesia and internationally for medicine and healthcare. Published continuously, JSOCMED features scholarly comment and clinical research. JSOCMED is editorially independent from and its The Editor-in-Chief ...