Flavonoids as new regulators of mitochondrial potassium channels: contribution to cardioprotection.

This article reviews the role of mitochondrial potassium (mitoK) channels as regulators of mitochondrial function and their contribution to cardioprotection, focusing particularly on the activation of these channels by flavonoids. MitoK channels, including mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoK_ATP) and large conductance calcium-activated potassium (mitoBK_Ca) channels, modulate mitochondrial membrane potential, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and prevent calcium overload, thereby protecting cardiomyocytes from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Several flavonoids—such as naringenin, quercetin, morin, genistein, theaflavin, puerarin, epigallocatechin gallate, proanthocyanidins, baicalein, and luteolin—have been identified as effective modulators of mitoK channels, mediating cardioprotective effects through channel activation. The review highlights the potential of flavonoid-induced mitoK channel activation as a promising mechanism for cardiovascular disease prevention and therapy, while noting the need for further clinical studies to confirm their nutraceutical value.