ABSTRACT: Structure-function relationships for the inhibition of human cytochrome P450s (P450s) 1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2C9, and 3A4 by 33 flavonoid derivatives were studied. Thirty-two of the 33 flavonoids tested produced reverse type I binding spectra with P450 1B1, and the potencies of binding were correlated with the abilities to inhibit 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation activity. The presence of a hydroxyl group in flavones, for example, 3-, 5-, and 7-monohydroxy- and 5,7-dihydroxyflavone, decreased the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of P450 1B1 from 0.6 μM to 0.09, 0.21, 0.25, and 0.27 μM, respectively, and 3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (galangin) was the most potent, with an IC50 of 0.003 μM. The introduction of a 4'-methoxy- or 3',4'-dimethoxy group into 5,7-dihydroxyflavone yielded other active inhibi
