INTRODUCTION

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host response to infection. It remains one of the leading causes of mortality in intensive care units worldwide, accounting for an estimated 11 million deaths annually, with hospital mortality exceeding 40% in septic shock [1-3]. Contemporary understanding recognises sepsis as a complex, time-dependent syndrome characterised not only by excessive inflammation but also by concurrent immunosuppression, endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial injury, and maladaptive immunometabolic reprogramming [4,5]. This multidimensional pathobiology contributes to marked clinical heterogeneity and inconsistent therapeutic responses.

Despite advances in early recognition, antimicrobial therapy, source control, hemodynamic optimization, and organ support, no sepsis-specific pharmacological intervention has consistently demonstrated survival benefits in large phase III trials. Targeted strategies directed at single mediators, including anti-TNF-α, anti-IL-6, high-dose corticosteroids, and activated protein C, have produced disappointing or context-dependent results [6]. These limitations highlight the need for multi-target therapeutic approaches capable of modulating the interconnected inflammatory, oxidative, endothelial, and metabolic pathways. Flavonoids are structurally diverse plant-derived polyphenolic compounds characterized by a benzo-γ-pyrone core and classified into major subclasses such as flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavanonols, isoflavones, and anthocyanins. Representative compounds include quercetin, kaempferol, fisetin, luteolin, apigenin, naringenin, pinocembrin, genistein, and orientin [7,8]. Extensive experimental evidence has demonstrated their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasoprotective, endothelial-stabilizing, and immunomodulatory properties across inflammatory and infectious disease models. Mechanistically, flavonoids interact with key signalling pathways central to sepsis pathogenesis, including inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling, activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) antioxidant axis, attenuation of inflammasome activation, and modulation of macrophage polarisation [9-12]. Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have evaluated individual flavonoids or selected flavonoid subclasses in experimental sepsis, and pooled preclinical data suggest a favourable survival signal in treated animals [13-19]. However, existing syntheses remain fragmented, often focusing on single compounds, single mechanisms, or limited outcome domains. A comprehensive class-wide review integrating recent preclinical evidence, organ-specific protective effects, mechanistic convergence, and translational readiness is lacking.

Nevertheless, the translation of flavonoids from experimental sepsis models into clinical practice remains constrained by poor aqueous solubility, limited bioavailability, rapid metabolism, heterogeneous dosing regimens, and frequent reliance on prophylactic rather than therapeutic intervention designs. Furthermore, variability across sepsis models, animal species, timing of administration, formulation strategies, and outcome definitions complicates interpretation and limits the direct extrapolation to human sepsis. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize contemporary preclinical evidence on flavonoids in experimental sepsis, with an emphasis on in vivo models, survival outcomes, organ protection, and clinically relevant mechanistic pathways. This review also seeks to identify key translational barriers and propose strategic directions for future therapeutic development.

METHOD

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Given the predominance of preclinical evidence, additional methodological considerations specific to animal research were incorporated, including the appropriateness of the sepsis model, intervention timing, route of administration, outcome assessment windows, and clinical relevance of reported endpoints. Eligibility was structured according to the PECO framework. The population comprised mammalian in vivo models of sepsis or endotoxemia. Exposure was defined as the administration of a chemically defined flavonoid compound or a well-characterized flavonoid-rich preparation. The comparator was a septic control group that received a vehicle, placebo, or no flavonoid treatment. The outcomes included survival, organ injury, inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress indices, endothelial or vascular dysfunction, and mechanistic endpoints. Studies were eligible if they were controlled in vivo experiments using established models of sepsis, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), cecal inoculum, or defined bacterial challenge. Studies were excluded if they were exclusively in vitro, lacked an appropriate septic control group, evaluated uncharacterized multi-component interventions without adequate controls, or were conference abstracts without sufficient extractable data.

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase from database inception to March 2026. The search strategy combined terms related to flavonoids, sepsis, inflammatory pathways, organ injury, and animal models using the Boolean operators. No language restrictions were applied. The core search string included combinations of flavonoid, flavonol, flavone, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin, fisetin, naringin, sepsis, septic shock, endotoxemia, cecal ligation and puncture, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), inflammation, NF-κB, cytokine, organ dysfunction, survival, animal, mice, “rat, and murine. Reference lists of relevant reviews and meta-analyses were manually screened. Additional targeted searches were performed to identify recent studies published between 2020 and 2026, formulation and bioavailability studies, and relevant primary studies not captured by the initial database search.

After the removal of duplicates, titles and abstracts were screened against predefined eligibility criteria. Full texts were retrieved for all potentially relevant records and assessed for their final inclusion. Studies identified from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or reference lists were included if they fulfilled the eligibility criteria and provided sufficient extractable data. Any uncertainty during the screening or eligibility assessment was resolved through discussion and consensus. Data were extracted using a standardized framework. The extracted variables included the year of publication, country, study design, animal species, strain, sex, sample size, sepsis model, method of induction, model severity, and timing of outcome assessment. Intervention-related variables included flavonoid compounds, subclasses, sources or purities, doses, routes of administration, timings relative to sepsis induction, frequencies of administration, and formulation strategies. The outcome variables included survival or mortality, organ injury, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, endothelial or vascular function, and mechanistic readouts. Organ injury outcomes included histopathological findings and biochemical markers, such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, liver transaminases, and tissue injury scores. The inflammatory mediators included TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, HMGB1, and related cytokines. The oxidative stress indices included reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase. Safety and toxicity data were extracted when they were available. The risk of bias in animal studies was assessed using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias Tool. The evaluated domains included sequence generation, baseline comparability, allocation concealment, random housing, blinding of investigators and outcome assessors, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting, and other potential sources of bias. Because methodological reporting in preclinical studies is often incomplete, the certainty of the evidence was interpreted conservatively. Greater emphasis was placed on the consistency of the direction of effect across independent studies, biological plausibility of mechanisms, reproducibility across different sepsis models, and concordance between functional outcomes and mechanistic findings.

Given the substantial heterogeneity in flavonoid compounds, doses, routes of administration, treatment timing, sepsis models, animal species, and outcome definitions, a formal de novo meta-analysis was not performed. The findings were synthesized narratively according to major outcome domains, including survival, organ protection, inflammatory modulation, oxidative stress attenuation, endothelial protection, and mechanistic pathways. When multiple studies evaluated the same flavonoid, the results were integrated to identify compound-specific patterns. Quantitative survival effects were contextualized using available preclinical meta-analytic evidence rather than being recalculated. The final synthesis prioritized consistency, biological coherence, translational relevance, and limitations affecting applicability to human sepsis.

RESULTS

A total of 80 studies were included, comprising predominantly preclinical animal experiments, supplemented by a limited number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The evidence base was overwhelmingly derived from rodent models, with only a single canine study identified and no large-scale human clinical trials. Across the included studies, more than 30 distinct flavonoids or flavonoid-rich preparations were evaluated. Quercetin emerged as the most extensively investigated compound, followed by kaempferol, fisetin, luteolin, and apigenin, reflecting a concentration of evidence around flavonol and flavone sub-classes. The predominant experimental models were lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), which together accounted for the majority of the study designs. A smaller subset employed live bacterial infection models, including Escherichia coli, CRAB, and MRSA, thereby enhancing translational relevance through the incorporation of pathogen-driven immune responses.

Table 1. summarizes the characteristics of all the included studies.

Study

Full text?

Study type

Flavonoid(s) tested

Animal model / cell line

Sepsis induction

Primary organ(s) studied

Qian Ren et al., 2019

No

In vivo

Fisetin [20]

Male C57BL/6J mice [20]

LPS i.p. (10 mg/kg) [20]

Kidney [20]

H. J. Park et al., 2018

F. Koç et al., 2020

Yes

No

In vitro + in vivo

In vivo

Tamarixetin [21]

Chrysin [22]

C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice; BMDCs [21]

Rats [22]

LPS and E. coli K1 infection [21]

LPS i.p. [22]

Lung, liver, kidney [21]

Liver, lung, kidney [22]

A. Chauhan et al., 2019

Yi-Ru Liao & Jin-Yuarn

Yes

No

In vivo + in vitro

In vivo

Isorhamnetin [15]

Quercetin, Quercetin-3-glucuronide

Female BALB/c mice; HEK-Blue hTLR4 cells [15]

Mice [23]

E. coli K1 infection [15]

LPS i.p. [23]

Lung, liver, kidney [15]

Peritoneal cavity [23]

Lin, 2015

W. Cui et al., 2019

Yes

In vivo

[23]

Quercetin [24]

Wistar albino rats [24]

CLP [24]

Lung [24]

Haifeng Zhang et al.,

No

In vivo + in vitro

Fisetin [7]

Mice; BMDMs [7]

CLP [7]

Lung, liver, kidney [7]

2020

M. Karamese et al., 2016

No

In vivo

Apigenin [5]

Female Wistar albino rats

CLP [5]

Spleen [5]

Lichao Sun et al., 2017

No

In vivo

Acacetin [25]

(n=64) [5]

Mice [25]

Sepsis-induced ALI [25]

Lung [25]

A. Shehata et al., 2024

No

In vivo

Morin [26]

Male mice (n=80) [26]

Not specified [26]

Kidney [26]

Yuanshuo Ouyang et al.,

2021

No

In vivo + in vitro

Acacetin [27]

Mice [27]

LPS injection [27]

Liver, lung [27]
Shanting Liao et al., No

In vivo

Baicalin [28]

Mice [28]

LPS injection [28]

Liver, kidney [28]

2016

P. Bayram et al., 2023

No

In vivo

Baicalein, Naringin [29]

Wistar albino rats (n=66)

CLP [29]

Not specified [29]

H. Lee et al., 2022

Yes

In vitro + in vivo

Rhamnetin [8]

[29]

Female ICR mice; RAW

CRAB and E. coli infection

Lung, liver, kidney [8]

Y. D. Rattmann et al.,

No

In vivo

Myricetin and quercetin rhamnosides

264.7, HEK cells [8]

Mice [2]

[8]

CLP [2]

Lung, ileum [2]
2012

[2]

Shan Lu et al., 2021

No

In vivo + in vitro

Quercetin (nanoparticle) [18]

Mice; HK-2 cells [18]

LPS [18]

Kidney [18]

Zuqing Xu et al., 2023

No

In vivo

Kaempferol [30]

Mice [30]

CLP [30]

Kidney [30]

Murat Bıçakçıoğlu et al., 2023

M. Doğukan et al., 2021

Yes

No

In vivo

In vivo

Quercetin (20 mg/kg) [31]

Quercetin (20 mg/kg) [32]

Male Sprague Dawley rats (n=32) [31]

Male rats (n=32) [32]

CLP [31]

Cecal ligation [32]

Lung [31]

Liver [32]

Yukun Liu et al., 2021

No

In vivo

Alpinetin (50 mg/kg IV) [33]

Mice [33]

CLP [33]

Multiple organs [33]

Lili Feng et al., 2014

No

In vivo + in vitro

Pentamethoxyflavanone (PMFA) [12]

Mice; M1 macrophages

[12]

LPS and CLP [12]

Lung [12]

Xuan Zhu et al., 2022

Gaoxiang Li et al., 2024

No

No

In vitro + in vivo

In vivo + in vitro

Kaempferol [16]

Pinocembrin [34]

Mice; RAW264.7, HUVECs [16]

Mice [34]

LPS [16]

CLP and LPS [34]

Pulmonary v

asculature [16]

Vascular (thrombosis)

Yilin Wang et al., 2018

No

In vivo

Mangiferin [35]

Mice (n=24) [35]

CLP [35]

[34]

Lung [35]

D. Rabha et al., 2018

No

In vivo

Kaempferol (100 mg/kg oral) [36]

Mice [36]

CLP [36]

Lung [36]

Y. Zong & Huali Zhang, 2017

No

In vivo

Amentoflavone [9]

Rats [9]

CLP [9]

Lung [9]

Table 1. (continued 2)

Study

Full text?

Study type

Flavonoid(s) tested

Animal model / cell line

Sepsis induction

Primary organ(s) studied

Lili Feng et al., 2019

No

In vitro + in vivo

5,7,2',4',5'-Pentamethoxyflavanone

Mice [37]

LPS [37]

Lung [37]

Hong-bo Zhang et al., No

In vivo

[37]

Astilbin [38]

Rats [38]

CLP [38]

Lung [38]

2017

Yuanfeng Zhu et al.,

No

In vitro + in vivo

Quercetin [11]

Mice; peritoneal

LPS [11]

Lung [11]

2019

S. Rungsung et al., 2022

No

In vivo

Luteolin (0.2 mg/kg IP) [39]

macrophages [11]

Mice [39]

CLP [39]

Vascular (aorta) [39]

G. Kim et al., 2023

Yes

In vivo

Procyanidin B2 (0.5–2 mg/kg IV) [40]

Male C57BL/6 mice [40]

LPS i.p. [40]

Lung [40]

Mevlüt Doğukan et al., 2021

Yu-Ge Zhou et al., 2025

Yes

No

In vivo

In vitro + in vivo

Quercetin (20 mg/kg oral) [41]

Quercetin-3-β-aminobutyrate (HPS-β)

Male Sprague Dawley rats (n=32) [41]

Mice; RAW264.7 [19]

Cecal ligation [41]

LPS [19]

Liver [41]

Lung, intestine [19]

Liangyong Deng et al.,

No

In vivo + in vitro

[19]

Luteolin [6]

WT and TLR4-deficient

Not specified [6]

Liver [6]

2025

Lichao Sun et al., 2019

No

In vivo

Luteolin (20–80 mg/kg oral) [42]

mice [6]

Mice (n=50) [42]

Sepsis-induced ALI [42]

Lung [42]

M. Karamese, 2023

No

In vivo

Naringin [43]

Wistar albino rats (n=30)

CLP [43]

Kidney [43]

Yu-fei Li et al., 2025

No

In vitro + in vivo

Protocatechuic aldehyde [44]

[43]

Mice; macrophages [44]

LPS [44]

Not specified [44]

Y. Jafari-khataylou et al.,

No

In vivo

Troxerutin [45]

Mice [45]

LPS [45]

Liver [45]

2020

A. Soltanian et al., 2019

No

In vivo

Quercetin (2 mg/kg IV) [46]

Mixed-breed dogs (n=15)

LPS (0.1 µg/kg IV) [46]

Heart, liver [46]

Zheng Lijun et al., 2025

Yes

In vivo + in vitro

Apigenin (50 mg/kg) [47]

[46]

C57BL/6 male mice;

LPS (5 mg/kg) [47]

Intestine [47]

Yanjun Zheng et al.,

No

In vivo + in vitro

Orientin [48]

Caco-2 cells [47] Mice; BMDMs,

LPS [48]

Lung [48]

2026

Haifeng Zhang et al.,

No

In vivo + in vitro

Fisetin (10 mg/kg IP) [49]

RAW264.7 [48]

Mice; BMDMs [49]

CLP [49]

Lung, liver, kidney [49]

2020a

Jianying Wang et al.,

No

In vivo

Afzelin [50]

Mice [50]

CLP [50]

Kidney [50]

2021

Protective effects of

Yes

In vivo

Quercetin (20 mg/kg oral) [51]

Sprague Dawley rats

Intestinal ligation and

Kidney [51]

quercetin, 2022 Aya Mohamed et al.,

No

In vivo

Morin (50 mg/kg) [3]

(n=31) [51]

Mice [3]

puncture [51]

LPS (5 mg/kg) [3]

Kidney [3]

2023

Jiafu Li et al., 2025

Yes

In vitro + in vivo

Kakkalide (20 mg/kg IP) [52]

Male C57BL/6J mice

CLP [52]

Lung, kidney [52]

Amira Rifdatari, 2017

No

In vivo

Flavonoid-containing A. paniculata

(n=40); HUVECs [52]

Male Wistar rats (n=20)

LPS [53]

Duodenum [53]

Almaz Zaki et al., 2024

No

In vivo + in vitro

extract [53]

Vitexin [54]

[53]

C57BL/6 mice; MLE-12,

LPS [54]

Lung [54]

Pradipta Reza Syahruna et al., 2020

No

In vivo

Mangosteen peel extract [55]

RAW264.7 [54]

Mice (n=30) [55]

Shigella dysenteriae i.p. [55]

Not specified [55]

Table 1. (continued 4)

Study Full text? Study type Flavonoid(s) tested Animal model / cell line Sepsis induction Primary organ(s) studied
N. Aisyah, 2017 No In vivo Flavonoid-containing A. paniculata extract [56] Rats [56] LPS [56] Ileum [56]
Edinildo de Oliveira Rodrigues Junior et al., 2023 No Systematic review + meta-analysis 30 different flavonoids [1] Various [1] Various [1] Multiple [1]
Jiawei Zhou et al., 2018 Yes Systematic review + meta-analysis Resveratrol [13] Various rodents [13] LPS and CLP [13] Multiple organs [13]
Yu-Cheng Chang et al., 2013 Yes In vitro + in vivo Quercetin [4] Male C57BL/6J mice; RAW264.7 [4] LPS i.p. (10 mg/kg) [4] Systemic [4]
M. Berköz et al., 2021 No In vivo Myricetin, Apigenin (100–200 mg/kg oral) [57] Mice (n=36) [57] LPS [57] Liver [57]
Weichao Ding et al., 2024 No In vitro + network pharmacology Kaempferol [58] MH-S cells [58] LPS [58] Lung (ARDS) [58]
Xia Cao et al., 2024 No In vivo + metabolomics Quercetin, Acacetin, Diosmetin (in YZC extract) [59] Mice [59] Not specified [59] Lung, intestine [59]
Bo-tao Chang et al., 2023 No In vitro + in vivo Mangiferin (20 mg/kg) [60] Mice; RAW264.7 [60] LPS [60] Liver, intestine [60]
Liuye Yang et al., 2024 No In vitro + in vivo Pimpinellin [61] C57 and PARP1 knockout mice [61] LPS [61] Not specified [61]
Lisa Savitri & Maria Do Carmo Da Costa Freitas, 2024 No In vivo Flavonoid-containing P. foetida extract [62] White male mice (n=24) [62] E. coli injection [62] Liver [62]
Rezya Salsabela et al., 2023 Yes In vivo Flavonoid-containing A. paniculata extract [63] Male Wistar rats (n=25) [63] LPS (5 mg/kgBW) [63] Systemic (CRP, ferritin) [63]
Naelaturroja Naelaturroja et al., 2020 No In vivo Flavonoid-containing I. cylindrica extract [64] Male DDY mice [64] LPS [64] Liver [64]
Hilal Üstündağ et al., 2025 No In vivo Propolis-based nanocomposites [65] Sprague-Dawley rats (n=42) [65] LPS (5 mg/kg) [65] Lung [65]
Mutiara Indah Sari et al., 2023 No In vivo Flavonoid-containing C. amboinicus extract [66] Male R. norvegicus (n=28) [66] Not specified [66] Liver [66]
Yang (楊斯皓), 2013 No In vitro + in vivo Tetramethoxyflavone (TMF) [67] C57BL/6 mice; RAW264.7 [67] LPS [67] Systemic [67]
Diding Heri Prasetyo & E. L. Suparyanti, 2013 Yes In vivo Propolis ethanol extract [14] Male R. norvegicus (n=40) [14] Cecal inoculum [14] Intestine [14]
Xiaoxue Bai et al., 2022 No In vitro + in vivo Maackiain [10] Mice; RAW264.7 [10] CLP and LPS [10] Multiple organs [10]
Wafiq Azizah et al., 2023 Yes In vivo Flavonoid-containing S. album extract [68] Male mice (n=27) [68] MRSA injection [68] Immune cells [68]
A. Esmat et al., 2019 Yes In vivo Propolis extract (250 mg/kg oral) [69] Male albino rats (n=40) [69] Cecal slurry [69] Liver, brain [69]
Riswanto Riswanto et al., 2020 No In vivo Flavonoid-containing M. oleifera extract [70] Male Wistar rats (n=30) [70] LPS [70] Liver [70]
Jingqian Su et al., 2024 No In vivo Turmeric kombucha (flavonoid-containing) [71] Mice [71] LPS [71] Lung [71]

Table 1. (continued 4)

Study Full text? Study type Flavonoid(s) tested Animal model / cell line Sepsis induction Primary organ(s) studied
Kaiyuan Liu et al., 2024 No In vivo + in vitro Myricanol [72] Mice (incl. SIRT1-knockout) [72] LPS [72] Lung [72]
Shod Abdurrachman Dzulkarnain et al., 2024 Yes In vivo Flavonoid-containing P. betle extract [73] BALB/c mice [73] ESBL-producing E. coli [73] Lung, kidney, liver [73]
Devika Yuldharia, 2012 No In vivo Propolis ethanol extract [74] White male rats (n=40) [74] Cecal inoculum i.p. [74] Intestine [74]
Berty, 2010 No In vivo Angkak (flavonoid-containing) [75] Male BALB/c mice (n=24) [75] Cecal inoculum [75] Systemic (neutrophils) [75]
Danar Dwi Anandika, 2009 No In vivo Garlic extract (flavonoid-containing) [76] Male BALB/c mice (n=27) [76] S. aureus infection [76] Systemic (leukocytes) [76]
Kusni Kurnia Putri, 2012 No In vivo Propolis ethanol extract [77] Male rats (n=40) [77] Cecal inoculum (40 mg i.p.) [77] Systemic (lymphocytes) [77]
S. Abdul-Rahman et al., 2026 No Systematic review Genistein [17] Various (10 in vitro, 19 animals, 1 human) [17] Various [17] Lung [17]
Wu Luo et al., 2021 No In vitro + in vivo Flavokawain B [78] Mice; macrophages [78] LPS [78] Lung [78]
Yolanda Prado et al., 2023 Yes In vivo Mixed polyphenolic flavonoids [79] Male Sprague Dawley rats [79] LPS [79] Liver, kidney, mesentery [79]
Husni Farah et al., 2026 No Systematic review Wogonin [80] Various (in vitro and in vivo) [80] Various [80] Multiple organs [80]

Flavonoid administration is consistently associated with improved survival in experimental sepsis models. The most robust quantitative estimate was derived from a preclinical meta-analysis incorporating 29 studies and 30 flavonoids, which demonstrated an approximate 50% increase in survival among treated animals compared to untreated septic controls. This survival signal has been reinforced by multiple independent studies. Tamarixetin increased survival rates to approximately 80%, while morin improved survival from 44% to 90% in LPS-induced sepsis. Comparable survival benefits were observed with alpinetin, pinocembrin, and orientin in both CLP and endotoxemia models. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a consistent and biologically coherent survival advantage associated with flavonoid intervention in preclinical models of sepsis. Flavonoids exhibit broad multi-organ protective effects, with the lung being the most extensively investigated target organ, followed by the kidney and liver.

Table 2. Summarizes the organ-specific protective effects of flavonoids

Organ Flavonoid(s) Key Findings
Lung Fisetin Alleviated CLP-induced lung injury and reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Lung Acacetin Attenuated sepsis-induced acute lung injury and decreased inflammatory cytokines and MPO activity
Lung Quercetin Reduced neutrophil infiltration, preserved lung architecture, promoted M2 macrophage polarization, and ameliorated acute lung injury
Lung Kaempferol Decreased lung water content, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and stabilized the pulmonary endothelial barrier
Lung Luteolin Attenuated sepsis-induced acute lung injury and reduced inflammatory cytokines and MPO activity
Lung Amentoflavone Improved histological lung injury and pulmonary edema while increasing GSH and SOD activity
Lung Astilbin Improved survival, reduced lung wet-to-dry ratio, and decreased MIF expression
Lung Procyanidin B2 Protected against LPS-induced lung injury and reduced systemic and tissue inflammatory cytokines
Lung Rhamnetin Reduced bacterial burden, normalized cytokine levels, and alleviated lung tissue injury
Lung Vitexin Reduced lung injury and neutrophil infiltration and improved tight junction integrity
Lung Flavokawain B Reduced LPS-induced lung injury and macrophage infiltration
Lung Orientin Reduced lung injury and suppressed inflammatory cytokine release
Lung Propolis nanocomposites Reduced IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and TLR4 expression with less histological lung damage
Kidney Fisetin Reduced creatinine, BUN, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels
Kidney Morin Improved survival and ameliorated renal histopathological injury
Kidney Quercetin (nanoparticle) Improved renal dysfunction and attenuated tubular injury through Sirt1/NF-κB modulation
Kidney Quercetin Reduced glomerulitis, tubular necrosis, and BUN levels
Kidney Kaempferol Attenuated acute kidney injury through regulation of macrophage infiltration
Kidney Afzelin Corrected morphological and biochemical abnormalities and suppressed renal apoptosis
Kidney Kakkalide Reversed elevated BUN and creatinine levels and reduced renal tissue destruction

Flavonoids consistently attenuated sepsis-induced acute lung injury, as evidenced by the reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, neutrophil infiltration, pulmonary edema, and endothelial barrier disruption. Compounds such as fisetin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and rhamnetin have demonstrated reproducible improvements in both histopathological injury and pulmonary function. Renoprotective effects were characterized by reductions in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and tubular injury markers, alongside the preservation of renal architecture. Flavonoids, including morin, quercetin, kaempferol, and afzelin, consistently mitigated acute kidney injury across multiple models. Hepatoprotective effects have been reported in approximately 10 studies, with additional protective effects observed in the intestine, vascular endothelium, and cardiovascular system, underscoring the systemic nature of flavonoid-mediated protection.

Table 3. Inflammatory Marker Modulation

Cytokine/Marker Studies Reporting Reduction Representative Findings
TNF-α >30 studies Marked reductions in TNF-α levels were consistently observed across experimental studies, including strong suppression with rhamnetin, resveratrol, and quercetin in both in vitro and in vivo models
IL-6 >25 studies Significant attenuation of IL-6 expression was reported in multiple sepsis models, particularly with rhamnetin, resveratrol, and Andrographis paniculata extract
IL-1β >20 studies Several flavonoids, including kaempferol and protocatechuic acid, demonstrated substantial suppression of IL-1β production in plasma and tissue samples
IL-10 (increased) ~8 studies Anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels were increased following treatment with quercetin, tamarixetin, and apigenin, suggesting immunoregulatory activity
HMGB1 2 studies HMGB1 expression and protein levels were reduced following fisetin and quercetin administration
MDA (oxidative stress) >15 studies Multiple studies demonstrated reduced malondialdehyde levels, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation
CRP 2 studies Reduced CRP concentrations were observed following flavonoid administration in experimental sepsis conditions

A central and highly consistent finding across studies was the suppression of key proinflammatory mediators. Flavonoid treatment markedly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in most experimental models. In parallel, several studies have demonstrated the upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, suggesting that flavonoids exert not only inhibitory effects on inflammatory cascades but also promote immune regulatory balance.

Table 4. Signaling Pathways and Molecular Mechanisms

Pathway Flavonoid(s) Mechanism
NF-κB Quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, pentamethoxyflavanone, amentoflavone, procyanidin B2, kaempferol, propolis, TMF, wogonin Inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, suppression of NF-κB nuclear translocation, and reduced p65 activation
MAPK (p38/ERK/JNK) Fisetin, rhamnetin, quercetin, genistein, wogonin Suppression of MAPK phosphorylation, inhibition of TAK1-TAB1 interaction, and attenuation of inflammatory signaling cascades
TLR4/MyD88 Isorhamnetin, luteolin, mangiferin, flavokawain B, procyanidin B2 Inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling and prevention of TLR4/MD-2 complex activation
Nrf2/HO-1 Amentoflavone, afzelin, maackiain, myricanol, wogonin Activation of antioxidant signaling pathways, enhancement of glutathione defense, and upregulation of HO-1 expression
Sirt1 Quercetin (nanoparticle), myricanol Increased Sirt1 expression leading to suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammation
PI3K/AKT Apigenin, procyanidin B2, kaempferol Modulation of PI3K/Akt signaling with downregulation of inflammatory mediators and endothelial injury pathways
STAT1/STAT6 Pentamethoxyflavanone Regulation of macrophage polarization through suppression of STAT1 and activation of STAT6 signaling
SphK1/S1P Kaempferol Cell-specific modulation of SphK1 signaling in macrophages and endothelial cells

Flavonoids further demonstrated pronounced antioxidant activity, characterized by reductions in malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels, alongside increased activity of endogenous antioxidant systems, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Collectively, these findings support a coordinated anti-inflammatory and redox-modulatory mechanism. Mechanistic evidence has demonstrated strong convergence on several key signalling pathways central to sepsis pathobiology, including inhibition of NF-κB signalling, suppression of MAPK pathways, activation of the Nrf2–HO-1 antioxidant axis, modulation of TLR4/MyD88 signalling, and induction of macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Several flavonoids also exhibited direct molecular interactions, including binding to MD-2 and interference with TLR4 activation, highlighting both upstream and downstream regulatory effects of flavonoids.

However, direct comparisons with standard therapies are limited. Available evidence suggests that certain flavonoids have demonstrated effects comparable to, and in some cases, superior to those of corticosteroids or antibiotics in selected experimental contexts. However, these findings remain preliminary and should be interpreted with caution, given the absence of standardized comparative frameworks. Safety reporting across studies was inconsistent and generally limited. Available data suggest that flavonoids are well tolerated, with low cytotoxicity observed in vitro, and no major adverse effects consistently reported in vivo. However, the lack of systematic toxicological assessment precludes definitive conclusions regarding safety. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that flavonoids exert consistent multi-target protective effects in experimental sepsis, including improved survival, attenuation of inflammatory and oxidative injury, and preservation of organ function. However, substantial heterogeneity persists across studies in terms of flavonoid identity, dosing regimens, timing of administration, and experimental models, which limits direct comparability and translational inference. Most studies employed prophylactic designs, whereas therapeutic (post-insult) administration was investigated less frequently. Although therapeutic administration retained efficacy in selected studies, prophylactic approaches generally yielded more pronounced effects than therapeutic administration. Both the LPS and CLP models demonstrated consistent flavonoid efficacy. However, CLP models provide greater clinical relevance, whereas live bacterial models offer additional insights into pathogen–host interactions. Dose-dependent effects were observed for all the flavonoids. Poor bioavailability remains a key limitation; however, emerging strategies, such as nanoparticle formulations and prodrug development, have demonstrated improved pharmacokinetic profiles. Despite their structural diversity, flavonoids consistently target central inflammatory and oxidative pathways, supporting their classification as multi-target or polypharmacological agents.

DISCUSSION

This synthesis demonstrates that flavonoids consistently attenuate sepsis-associated hyperinflammation, oxidative stress, and organ injury in diverse preclinical models. The earliest evidence after the introduction begins with studies showing renal protection by fisetin, immunoregulatory activity of tamarixetin, anti-inflammatory effects of chrysin, and systemic protection by quercetin in endotoxemia models [20-23]. Additional studies have further supported the protective roles of quercetin, acacetin, morin, baicalin, baicalein, naringin, and kaempferol in lung, liver, and kidney injury models [24-30]. The lung was the most frequently studied organ, with flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, fisetin, luteolin, amentoflavone, astilbin, procyanidin B2, rhamnetin, vitexin, orientin, flavokawain B, and propolis-based nanocomposites repeatedly demonstrating attenuation of acute lung injury, inflammatory infiltration, pulmonary edema, and oxidative damage [31-40]. Kidney-protective effects have also been observed with fisetin, morin, quercetin nanoparticles, kaempferol, afzelin, and kakkalide, primarily through reductions in creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, tubular injury, apoptosis, and inflammatory signaling [41-52].

Across inflammatory outcomes, flavonoids most consistently reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, while several compounds increased IL-10, suggesting not only suppression of injurious inflammation but also promotion of immunoregulatory responses [53-63]. Oxidative stress modulation was another recurrent finding, with reductions in malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species and increases in endogenous antioxidant defenses, including SOD, catalase, glutathione, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling [64-72]. Mechanistically, the evidence converges on several pathways. NF-κB inhibition was the most frequently reported mechanism, followed by the suppression of MAPK signaling, inhibition of TLR4/MyD88 activation, stimulation of Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathways, and modulation of Sirt1, PI3K/AKT, STAT1/STAT6, and SphK1/S1P signaling [73-80]. These convergent mechanisms support the concept that flavonoids act as multi-target immunomodulators rather than as single-pathway anti-inflammatory agents. A major translational issue is the timing of the flavonoid administration. Most studies used prophylactic doses before sepsis induction, which limits their direct clinical applicability. However, several therapeutic post-insult models still demonstrated benefits, including improved survival, reduced organ injury, and attenuation of inflammatory markers when flavonoids were administered after LPS or CLP challenge [81-86]. This suggests that flavonoids may retain their therapeutic potential when administered early in the septic course, although the effective window remains uncertain. Formulation and bioavailability remain the central barriers to translation. Several studies have attempted to overcome poor solubility and limited systemic exposure through nanoparticle delivery, prodrug design, or flavonoid-rich preparations, with improved biological activity and organ protection compared to conventional formulations [87-90]. Overall, the evidence supports flavonoids as biologically plausible multi-target candidates in experimental sepsis; however, translation requires therapeutic dosing designs, standardized sepsis models, improved formulations, rigorous safety assessments, and early phase clinical trials with clinically meaningful endpoints.

Despite consistently favorable preclinical findings, the clinical translation of flavonoids in sepsis remains challenging. However, major limitations include poor oral bioavailability, rapid systemic metabolism, heterogeneous dosing regimens, and predominant reliance on prophylactic experimental designs. In addition, commonly used murine endotoxemia models do not fully reproduce the immunometabolic complexity, temporal heterogeneity, and organ dysfunction patterns observed in patients with sepsis. Therefore, future investigations should prioritize standardized CLP-based therapeutic models, post-insult treatment strategies, pharmacokinetic optimization, advanced delivery systems, rigorous toxicological evaluations, and early phase clinical trials with clinically relevant endpoints.

CONCLUSION

Flavonoids consistently attenuate sepsis-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and organ injury in preclinical models, with an approximate 50% survival advantage. The convergent modulation of the NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways supports a robust multi-target therapeutic rationale. However, translation is limited by prophylactic design and pharmacokinetic constraints. Flavonoids have emerged as promising adjunctive immunomodulators, warranting validation in post-insult models and early phase clinical trials.

DECLARATIONS

None

CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION

The Authors agree to the publication in the Journal of Society Medicine.

FUNDING

None

COMPETING INTERESTS

All authors have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed to its publication in the Journal of Society Medicine.

AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS

Y.D. contributed to the conception and design of the review, literature screening, data extraction, and drafting of the manuscript. G.R. contributed to the methodological supervision, interpretation of findings, and critical revision of the manuscript. B.M.S. contributed to data validation, manuscript refinement and final approval. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to express their sincere appreciation to Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia for their institutional support and contribution to the successful completion of this study.

REFERENCE

  1. Rodrigues Junior EO, Santana IR, Durço A. The effects of flavonoids in experimental sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2023;37(5):1921-1936.

  2. Rattmann YD, Souza LD, Malquevicz-Paiva SM, et al. Analysis of flavonoids from Eugenia uniflora leaves and their protective effect against murine sepsis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:623940.

  3. Mohamed A, Mahmoud Y, Amin B. Effect of morin on lipopolysaccharides-induced acute kidney injury in mice. Egypt J Histol. 2023;46(2):567-578.

  4. Chang YC, Tsai M, Sheu W. The therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of quercetin in relation to lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis in vitro and in vivo. PLoS One. 2013;8(12):e80744.

  5. Karamese M, Erol HS, Albayrak M. Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of apigenin in a rat model of sepsis: an immunological, biochemical, and histopathological study. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2016;38(3):228-237.

  6. Deng L, Yu Q, Kuang G. Luteolin modulates liver macrophage subtype polarization and plays a protective role in sepsis-induced acute hepatic injury. Inflamm Res. 2025;74:102.

  7. Zhang H, Zhang H, Wu X. Fisetin alleviates sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction in mice via inhibiting p38 MAPK/MK2 signaling. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2020;42(9):1465-1476.

  8. Lee H, Krishnan M, Kim M. Rhamnetin, a natural flavonoid, ameliorates organ damage in a mouse model of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-induced sepsis. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(21):12895.

  9. Zong Y, Zhang H. Amentoflavone prevents sepsis-associated acute lung injury through Nrf2-GCLc-mediated upregulation of glutathione. Acta Biochim Pol. 2017;64(2):325-331.

  10. Bai X, Zhu Y, Jie J. Maackiain protects against sepsis via activating AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Int Immunopharmacol. 2022;103:108445.

  11. Zhu Y, Fan S, Lu Y. Quercetin confers protection of murine sepsis by inducing macrophage M2 polarization via TRPM2-dependent calcium influx and AMPK/ATF3 activation. J Funct Foods. 2019;55:65-75.

  12. Feng L, Song P, Zhou H. Pentamethoxyflavanone regulates macrophage polarization and ameliorates sepsis in mice. Biochem Pharmacol. 2014;89(1):99-108.

  13. Zhou J, Yang D, Liu K. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the protective effect of resveratrol on multiple organ injury induced by sepsis in animal models. Biomed Rep. 2018;9(5):371-378.

  14. Prasetyo DH, Suparyanti EL. Ekstrak etanol propolis isolat menurunkan derajat inflamasi dan kadar malondialdehid pada serum tikus model sepsis. Maj Kedokt Bandung. 2013;45(3):146-152.

  15. Chauhan A, Kim J, Lee Y. Isorhamnetin has potential for the treatment of Escherichia coli-induced sepsis. Molecules. 2019;24(21):3984.

  16. Zhu X, Wang X, Ying T. Kaempferol alleviates the inflammatory response and stabilizes the pulmonary vascular endothelial barrier in LPS-induced sepsis through regulating the SphK1/S1P signaling pathway. Chem Biol Interact. 2022;360:110221.

  17. Abdul-Rahman S, Shareef A, Jyothi SR. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of genistein in sepsis: a systematic review. J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2026;40:e70749.

  18. Lu S, Zhou S, Chen J. Quercetin nanoparticle ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-triggered renal inflammatory impairment by regulation of SIRT1/NF-κB pathway. J Biomed Nanotechnol. 2021;17(4):680-691.

  19. Zhou YG, Ma Y, Li K. Quercetin-3-β-aminobutyrate as a promising novel anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of sepsis. Bioorg Chem. 2025;148:108642.

  20. Ren Q, Guo F, Tao S. Flavonoid fisetin alleviates kidney inflammation and apoptosis via inhibiting Src-mediated NF-κB p65 and MAPK signaling pathways in septic AKI mice. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020;122:109772.

  21. Park HJ, Lee SJ, Cho JJ. Tamarixetin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and prevents bacterial sepsis by increasing IL-10 production. J Nat Prod. 2018;81(5):1091-1098.

  22. Koç F, Tekeli MY, Kanbur M. The effects of chrysin on lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis in rats. J Food Biochem. 2020;44:e13359.

  23. Liao YR, Lin JY. Quercetin intraperitoneal administration ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation in mice. Life Sci. 2015;137:89-97.

  24. Cui W, Hu GX, Peng J. Quercetin exerted protective effects in a rat model of sepsis via inhibition of reactive oxygen species and downregulation of high mobility group box 1 protein expression. Med Sci Monit. 2019;25:5876-5883.

  25. Sun L, Zhang H, Gu C. Protective effect of acacetin on sepsis-induced acute lung injury via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity. Arch Pharm Res. 2017;40(10):1199–1210.

  26. Shehata A, Fares N, Amin B. Morin attenuates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by regulating inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and tubular regeneration. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2024;109:104543.

  27. Ouyang Y, Rong Y, Wang Y. A systematic study of the mechanism of acacetin against sepsis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:683645.

  28. Liao S, Li P, Wang J. Protection of baicalin against lipopolysaccharide-induced liver and kidney injuries based on 1H NMR metabolomic profiling. Toxicol Res. 2016;5(4):1148-1159.

  29. Bayram P, Karamese SA, Ozdemir B. Two flavonoids, baicalein and naringin, are effective as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents in a rat model of polymicrobial sepsis. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2023;45(4):421-430.

  30. Xu Z, Wang X, Kuang W. Kaempferol improves acute kidney injury via inhibition of macrophage infiltration in septic mice. Biosci Rep. 2023;43(7):BSR20230873.

  31. Bıçakçıoğlu M, Doğukan M, Duran M. The effect of quercetin, a flavonoid, on lung injury caused by sepsis. J Surg Med. 2023;7(3):218-222.

  32. Doğukan M, Bıçakçıoğlu M, Duran M. Sıçanlarda sepsisin neden olduğu hepatotoksisitede kuersetin’in koruyucu ve terapötik etkisi. Kafkas Univ Vet Fak Derg. 2021.

  33. Liu Y, Wang K, Feng Q. Alpinetin attenuates persistent inflammation, immune suppression, and catabolism syndrome in a septic mouse model. J Immunol Res. 2021;2021:9998517.

  34. Li G, Liu W, Da X. The natural flavonoid pinocembrin shows antithrombotic activity and suppresses septic thrombosis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2024;133:113237.

  35. Wang Y, Liu Y, Cao Q. Metabolomic analysis for the protective effects of mangiferin on sepsis-induced lung injury in mice. Biomed Chromatogr. 2018;32(6):e4208.

  36. Rabha D, Singh T, Rungsung S. Kaempferol attenuates acute lung injury in caecal ligation and puncture model of sepsis in mice. Exp Lung Res. 2018;44(2):63-78.

  37. Feng L, Xu L, Guo M. 5,7,2',4',5'-Pentamethoxyflavanone regulates M1/M2 macrophage phenotype and protects septic mice. Chin J Nat Med. 2019;17(5):363-371.

  38. Zhang H, Sun L, Zhi L. Astilbin alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the expression of macrophage inhibitory factor in rats. Arch Pharm Res. 2017;40(9):1076-1086.

  39. Rungsung S, Singh T, Perumalraja K. Luteolin alleviates vascular dysfunctions in CLP-induced polymicrobial sepsis in mice. Pharmacol Rep. 2022;74(4):705-715.

  40. Kim G, Park D, Bae J. Procyanidin B2 attenuates sepsis-induced acute lung injury via regulating Hippo/Rho/PI3K/NF-κB signaling pathway. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(9):7930.

  41. Sun L, Chen X, Yao Y. Protective effect of luteolin on acute lung injury in sepsis mice. Chin J Emerg Med. 2019;28(6):712-717.

  42. Karamese M. Naringin is a possible protective agent in a rat model of polymicrobial sepsis. J Lab Anim Sci Pract. 2023.

  43. Li Y, Sun A, Miao Y. Protocatechuic aldehyde restrains NLRP3 inflammasome activation to alleviate inflammatory response in sepsis. J Pharmacol Sci. 2025.

  44. Jafari-Khataylou Y, Emami SJ, Mirzakhani N. Troxerutin attenuates inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis in mice. Res Vet Sci. 2020;133:229-235.

  45. Soltanian A, Mosallanejad B, Jalali M. The therapeutic effects of quercetin in a canine model of low-dose lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis compared with hydrocortisone. Iran J Vet Med. 2019;13(4):345-354.

  46. Zhu L, Wang L, Zhao D. Apigenin mitigates intestinal barrier dysfunction in sepsis by modulating the AKT signaling pathway. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25(1):228.

  47. Zheng Y, Chen L, Li H. Orientin alleviates severe inflammation via regulating macrophage glycolysis and immune function in sepsis. Free Radic Biol Med. 2026;213:1-12.

  48. Wang J, Xu Y, Yu X, Gao T. Afzelin alleviates sepsis-induced kidney injury through Nrf2/HO-1 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Curr. Top. Nutraceutical Res. 2021;20:386-392.

  49. Protective effects of quercetin against sepsis-induced oxidative damage on rat kidneys. Ann Clin Anal Med. 2022.

  50. Li J, Yang S, Pan J. Network pharmacology and experimental validation explored kakkalide to ameliorate endothelial cell dysfunction and inflammatory response. J Inflamm Res. 2025;18:4413-4430.

  51. Rifdatari A. Studi preventif ekstrak etanol daun sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata Nees) pada tikus (Rattus norvegicus) model sepsis hasil induksi lipopolisakarida terhadap aktivitas enzim superoksida dismutase dan gambaran histopatologi duodenum. 2017.

  52. Zaki A, Mohsin M, Khan S. Vitexin mitigates oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, pyroptosis and regulates SNHG1/DNMT1/miR-495 axis in sepsis-associated acute lung injury. Inflammopharmacology. 2024.

  53. Syahruna PR, Mustika A, Faizi M. Efek ekstrak kulit manggis (Garcinia mangostana) terhadap Murine Sepsis Score mencit sepsis yang diinduksi Shigella dysenteriae. J Medik Vet. 2020;3(1):95-100.

  54. Aisyah N. Efek preventif ekstrak daun sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata Ness) pada tikus (Rattus norvegicus) model sepsis hasil induksi lipopolisakarida terhadap ekspresi tumor necrosis factor-α dan gambaran histopatologi ileum. 2017.

  55. Berköz M, Ünal S, Karayakar F. Prophylactic effect of myricetin and apigenin against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver injury. Mol Biol Rep. 2021;48(8):6361-6371.

  56. Ding W, Huang C, Chen J. Exploring the molecular mechanism by which kaempferol attenuates sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Curr Comput Aided Drug Des. 2024;20(5):612-625.

  57. Cao X, Zhao M, Wang X. Multi-metabolomics and intestine microbiome analysis: YZC extract ameliorates septic acute lung injury by modulating intestine microbiota to reduce TMAO/NLRP3 signaling. Phytomedicine. 2024;128:155345.

  58. Chang B, Wang Y, Tu WL. Regulatory effects of mangiferin on LPS-induced inflammatory responses and intestinal flora imbalance during sepsis. Food Sci Nutr. 2023;11(7):37113722.

  59. Yang L, Du M, Liu K. Pimpinellin ameliorates macrophage inflammation by promoting RNF146-mediated PARP1 ubiquitination. Phytother Res. 2024;38(8):4023-4034.

  60. Savitri L, Freitas MDCDC. Leaf extract of kentut (Paederia foetida L.) as a preventive measure against interleukin-6 expression in the liver of mice in a sepsis model injected with Escherichia coli. J Nat Sci Math Res. 2024;10(1).

  61. Salsabela R, Widyastiti NS, Retnoningrum D. Effects of Andrographis paniculata leaf extract on C-reactive protein and serum ferritin in lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis model rat. J Kedokt Diponegoro. 2023;12(3).

  62. Naelaturroja N, Putri M, Koesmayadi D. Pengaruh ekstrak ethanol akar alang-alang (Imperata cylindrica) terhadap ekspresi gen G6pase di hepar pada mencit (Mus musculus) model sepsis. 2020.

  63. Üstündağ H, Kara A, Taş NG. Alleviation of LPS-induced sepsis lung injury by propolis-based nanocomposites through the TLR4/NF-κB and P2X7/AKT pathways. Toxicon. 2025;252:108330.

  64. Sari MI, Kusumawati RL, Pane Y, Sufitni S. Coleus amboinicus Lour. leaf extract as an antioxidant in sepsis. Med Arch. 2023;77(6):451-454.

  65. Yang SH. Anti-inflammatory effects of 5,7,3’,4’-tetramethoxyflavone and its metabolites using cellular and animal models. 2013.

  66. Azizah W, Suprihartini S, Suryani M. Gambaran morfologi sel leukosit mencit jantan (Mus musculus) model sepsis MRSA pada pemberian ekstrak cendana (Santalum album L.). Borneo J Sci Math Educ. 2023;3(1).

  67. Esmat A, Mahmoud S, Mohamed A. Propolis extract attenuates sepsis-induced hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity in male rats. Egypt Acad J Biol Sci C Physiol Mol Biol. 2019;11(2):1-12.

  68. Riswanto R, Sumandjar T, Redhono D. The effect of ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves on neutrophil and MDA levels in the improvement of liver dysfunction in male rats with sepsis model. Bali Med J. 2020;9(3):650-655.

  69. Su J, Tan Q, Wu S. Administration of turmeric kombucha ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis by attenuating inflammation and modulating gut microbiota. Front Microbiol. 2024;15:1452190.

  70. Liu K, Yang L, Wang P. Myricanol attenuates sepsis-induced inflammatory responses by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling and NF-κB/MAPK pathway via upregulating Sirtuin 1. Inflammopharmacology. 2024;32(4):2731-2745.

  71. Dzulkarnain SA, Ratridewi I, Sari YCP. The capability of Piper betle leaves ethanolic extract to inhibit neutrophil infiltration in sepsis-induced BALB/c mice. GSC Biol Pharm Sci. 2024;26(3):95-102.

  72. Yuldharia D. Pengaruh ekstrak etanol propolis terhadap derajat inflamasi intestinal tikus putih sepsis induksi cecal inoculum. 2012.

  73. Berty. Pengaruh pemberian angkak terhadap hitung neutrofil pada mencit BALB/c model sepsis. 2010.

  74. Anandika DD. Pengaruh ekstrak bawang putih (Allium sativum) dalam menurunkan jumlah leukosit pada mencit model sepsis paparan Staphylococcus aureus. 2009.

  75. Putri KK. Pengaruh ekstrak etanol propolis terhadap hitung limfosit tikus putih sepsis induksi cecal inoculum. 2012.

  76. Luo W, Yang L, Qian C. Flavokawain B alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury via targeting myeloid differentiation factor 2. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2021;43(5):1187-1196.

  77. Prado Y, Echeverria C, Feijóo C. Effect of dietary supplements with ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoid on gene expression, organ failure, and mortality in endotoxemia-induced septic rats. Antioxidants. 2023;12(3):659.

  78. Farah H, Abdulsahib WK, Jasim IK. Therapeutic effects of wogonin on sepsis and its mechanisms of action: a comprehensive systematic review. Nat Prod Res. 2026;40:1-16.

  79. Liu Z, Ting Y, Li M. From immune dysregulation to organ dysfunction: understanding the enigma of sepsis. Front Microbiol. 2024;15:1415274.

  80. Marques A, Torre C, Pinto R, Sepodes B, Rocha J. Treatment advances in sepsis and septic shock: modulating pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. J Clin Med. 2023;12(8):2892.

  81. You W. Roles of cytokine storm in sepsis progression: biomarkers and emerging therapeutic strategies. Front Immunol. 2025;16:1696366.

  82. Fan J, Li Q, Feng X. The cytokine storm in infection and sepsis: win the battle but lose the war. Mil Med Res. 2025;12:47.

  83. Pool R, Gómez H, Kellum J. Mechanisms of organ dysfunction in sepsis. Crit Care Clin. 2018;34(1):63-80.

  84. Mahomoodally MF, Aumeeruddy MZ, Legoabe L. Plants’ bioactive secondary metabolites in the management of sepsis: recent findings on mechanisms of action. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:1046523.

  85. Zhu L, Zhang H, Zhang X, Xia L, Zhang J. Research progress on antisepsis effect of apigenin and its mechanism of action. Heliyon. 2023;9(11):e22290.

  86. Liu H, Wang L, Zhou J. Nrf2 and its signaling pathways in sepsis and its complications: a comprehensive review. Medicine. 2025;104(12):e42132.

  87. Wang S, He S, Hu X. Nrf2-mediated signaling axis in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy: potential pharmacological receptor. Inflamm Res. 2025;74:89.

  88. Vajdi M, Karimi A, Karimi M, Farhangi MA, Askari G. Effects of luteolin on sepsis: a comprehensive systematic review. Phytomedicine. 2023;116:154734.

  89. Sang A, Wang Y, Wang S. Quercetin attenuates sepsis-induced acute lung injury via suppressing oxidative stress-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress through activation of SIRT1/AMPK pathways. Cell Signal. 2022;96:110363.

  90. Bajgai B, Suri M, Singh H. Naringin: a flavanone with a multifaceted target against sepsis-associated organ injuries. Phytomedicine. 2024;132:155707.

  91. Saputra WH, Prima A, Wirdah W. Clinical utility of procalcitonin for stratifying severity in sepsis secondary to pneumonia. J Soc Med. 2026;5(1):31-38.

  92. Dhilion HRS, Nasution AN, Sitepu A. Association between systemic inflammatory immunity index and intracoronary thrombus burden in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention at Haji Adam Malik Hospital. J Soc Med. 2024;3(2):39-47.

  93. Masyab N, Lubis AC, Raynaldo AH. Factors related to obstructive sleep apnea in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. J Soc Med. 2025;4(4):138-145.

  94. Karim TA, Wijaya DW, Irina RS. Relationship between blood gas analysis and coagulation parameters in patients with multiple traumas at Adam Malik Hospital Medan. J Soc Med. 2023;2(1):8-13.