Citrus bioflavonoids

In the early work on bioflavonoids, citrus extracts were used, and later research has revealed the presence of highly active methoxylated flavones in citrus. The amount of these flavones recovered along with the more abundant hesperidin, naringin, eriodictyol varies with the methods of extraction and purification used. Thus, bioflavonoid preparations by the many workers may have varied widely in activity. 

Also see BIOFLAVONOIDS CITRUS FRUITS FIBER and PECTIN.)... 

Bok, S.H., Lee, S.H., Park, Y.B., Bae, K.H., Son, K.H., Jeong, T.S., and Choi, M.S., Plasma and hepatic cholesterol and hepatic activities of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase and acyl CoA cholesterol transferase are lower in rats fed citrus peel extract or a mixture of citrus bioflavonoids, J. Nutr., 129, 1182, 1999. 

The flavone glycoside hesperidin makes up 80% of the dry weight of orange peels. It has been claimed (but not proved) that this compound, also known as vitamin P and citrus bioflavonoid, is essential to... 

Several constituents of citrus fruits have been reported to have dietary importance, although there are strong controversies about them. While these substances do not cause deficiency symptoms when not taken in sufficient quantities, their presence in food may contribute to the betterment of health. Among them are the bioflavonoids and inositol. 

In addition to variations in citrus extracts, there are features of bioflavonoid effects on the mammalian body which may have contributed greatly to the controversy concerning flavonoid action. In 1940 Yosida (13) and in 1955 Rinehart (14) reported effects of hesperidin on rheumatic fever. Yosida determined the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) before and after injecting hesperidin into patients. In 26 sets of determinations the ESR was retarded in 19, unchanged in 3 and accelerated in 4 cases. Rinehart administered hesperidin to 26 patients, 22 showed a decreased ESR, 1 an unchanged and 3 an increased ESR. Hence, by the usual interpretation that an increased ESR indicates pathology, hesperidin in some cases showed beneficial effects, in others no effect and in still others made the disease worse. 

Certain bioflavonoids may play a preventive role against cardiovascular diseases. Some citrus and other bioflavonoids have been demonstrated to reduce serum cholesterol levels and to affect fatty acid metabolism (70,71,72). The strong antiadhesive action on red cells and platelets of highly methoxylated flavones such as nobiletin, which also demonstrates antithrombogenic activity (73), indicates an important role in blood rheology and tissue perfusion. The antiadhesive action may indicate a preventive role in atherosclerosis since there is evidence that reduced perfusion of the vascular wall may interact with serum lipids to promote atherogenesis (74). 

Citrus fruits play an important role in modem nutrition. Their pleasant, refreshing taste is always associated with their nutritional value and healthy image. Citrus products constitute an important source of vitamins and bioflavonoids, while offering a fresh, fruity taste. 

Allantoin calcium pantothenate Allantoin galacturonic acid Allantoin glycyrrhetinic acid Allantoin polygalacturonic acid Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) extract Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia) extract Bioflavonoids Birch (Betula alba) extract Birch (Betula alba) leaf extract Birch (Betula alba) oil... 

Agathosma betulina (buchu) contains diosmin (also known as venosmine), a bioflavonoid, and a synthetic form of diosmin is also available. Hidrosmin is 3, 5-di-0-(2-hydroxyethyl)diosmin. Diosmin is marketed as Daflon and Detralex, which contain 90% diosmin plus 10% hesperidin, a flavanone glycoside found in citrus fruits. 

Park GL, Avery SM, Byers JL, Nelson DB (1983) Identification of bioflavonoids from Citrus. Food Technol 37 98-105... 

Figure 6. Bioflavonoid products available through health food outlets. From left to right Skullcap leaves, 425mg tablets rutin, SOOmg tablets skullcap tea citrus bioflavonoid mixture, lOOOmg tablets rutin (SOOmg) plus bioflavonoid (SOOmg) tablets.

Garg A, Garg S, Zaneveld LJ, Singla AK (2001) Chemistry and pharmacology of the Citrus bioflavonoid hesperidin. Phytother Res 15 655... 

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