Bioavailable Citrus sinensis Extract: Polyphenolic Composition and Biological Activity.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Food Science

Background:

• Citrus plants, particularly Citrus sinensis, are rich in flavonoids with known health benefits.
• Polyphenols possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their bioavailability influences efficacy.
• Understanding the bioavailability of Citrus sinensis polyphenols is crucial for their application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of bioavailable polyphenols from Citrus sinensis.
• To compare the efficacy of the initial extract versus its bioavailable fraction.
• To assess the in vitro bioavailability of Citrus sinensis polyphenolic extract.

Main Methods:

• Simulated gastro-intestinal digestion was performed on Citrus sinensis extract.
• In vitro bioavailability was assessed using Caco-2 cell monolayers.
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated in murine macrophages (J774A.1 and primary peritoneal).

Main Results:

• A relative permeation of 8.3% was observed for Citrus sinensis compounds.
• The polyphenolic extract reduced pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, iNOS, COX-2, cytokines) in macrophages.
• Antioxidant effects included reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression.
• The bioavailable fraction (CsB) demonstrated higher anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential than the initial extract (Cs).

Conclusions:

• Bioavailable polyphenols from Citrus sinensis accumulate primarily in the intestine and may reach systemic circulation.
• The bioavailable fraction of Citrus sinensis polyphenols possesses enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
• These findings underscore the significant nutraceutical potential of bioavailable Citrus sinensis polyphenols.