Fisetin: a multitarget flavonol bridging oxidative stress, inflammation, aging, and cancer

Fisetin is a naturally occurring dietary flavonoid that is abundant in fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, and onions. It has gained significant scholarly attention owing to its broad pharmacological prospects. This compound exhibits robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and has notable anticancer and neuroprotective effects. Fisetin strongly modulates key cellular signaling pathways, induces apoptosis, and inhibits tumor growth, thus protecting cells against oxidative damage and neurodegenerative events. Additional hepatoprotective, antiviral, and gastroprotective actions further highlight the therapeutic importance of this compound. This review presents an integrated and detailed analysis of the pharmacokinetics, diverse biological activities, and molecular mechanisms of action of fisetin underlying its therapeutic actions. It also assesses its toxicological profile, including safety considerations such as genotoxicity at relatively high concentrations. Poor solubility and low bioavailability are key limitations, along with emerging formulation methods designed to facilitate its clinical utility. Furthermore, this review synthesizes evidence from ongoing trials and outlines future priorities. Collectively, these findings position fisetin as a promising therapeutic candidate with potential across a wide range of disease conditions.