Flavonoids and stilbenoids as a promising arsenal for the management of chronic arsenic toxicity

Rapid industrial and technological development has impacted ecosystem homeostasis strongly. Arsenic is one of the most detrimental environmental toxins and its management with chelating agents remains a matter of concern due to associated adverse effects. Thus, safer and more effective alternative therapy is required to manage arsenic toxicity. Based on existing evidence, native and indigenous plant-based active biomolecules appear as a promising strategy to mitigate arsenic-induced toxicity with an acceptable safety profile. In this regard, various phytochemicals (flavonoids and stilbenoids) are considered important classes of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant and chelation effects, which may facilitate the removal of arsenic from the body more effectively and safely with regard to conventional approaches. This review presents an overview of conventional chelating agents and the potential role of flavonoids and stilbenoids in ameliorating arsenic toxicity. This report may provide a roadmap for identifying novel prophylactic/therapeutic strategies for managing arsenic toxicity.