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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
09:50
Biosynthesis of a Flavonol from a Flavanone by Establishing a One-pot Bienzymatic Cascade
Published on: August 14, 2019
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Flavanones: Citrus phytochemical with health-promoting properties
Davide Barreca1, Giuseppe Gattuso1, Ersilia Bellocco1
1Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
Biofactors (Oxford, England)
|May 13, 2017
Summary
Citrus flavanones offer significant health benefits, acting as antioxidants and aiding in the prevention of diseases like cardiovascular issues and cancer. These compounds also exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Citrus fruits and juices are rich sources of bioactive compounds, particularly flavanones.
- Flavanones, including hesperetin and naringenin, are present in significant concentrations (180-740 mg/L) in citrus.
- These compounds possess diverse health-promoting properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biochemistry, pharmacology, and biology of Citrus flavanones.
- To highlight the occurrence and bioavailability of these compounds in citrus.
- To explore structure-function relationships and their signaling pathway modulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on Citrus flavanones.
- Analysis of biochemical pathways and pharmacological activities.
- In vitro and in vivo studies on Citrus flavanone effects.
Main Results:
- Citrus flavanones exhibit potent antioxidant activity, bolstering the body's defenses.
- These compounds are associated with the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer.
- Demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities were observed.
Conclusions:
- Citrus flavanones are key contributors to the health benefits of citrus fruits and juices.
- Their bioavailability and structure-activity relationships are crucial for their biological effects.
- Flavanones modulate important cellular signaling cascades, offering therapeutic potential.
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