Osama M. Ahmed*, Sameh F. AbouZid, Noha A. Ahmed, Mohamed Y. Zaky and Han Liu Pages 513 - 530 ( 18 )
Flavonoids, the main class of polyphenols, are characterized by the presence of 2-phenyl-benzo-pyrane nucleus. They are found in rich quantities in citrus fruits. Citrus flavonoids are classified into flavanones, flavones, flavonols, polymethoxyflavones and anthocyanins (found only in blood oranges). Flavanones are the most abundant flavonoids in citrus fruits. In many situations, there are structure-function relationships. Due to their especial structures and presence of many hydroxyls, polymethoxies and glycoside moiety, the flavonoids have an array of multiple biological and pharmacological activities. This article provides an updated overview of the differences in chemical structures of the classes and members of citrus flavonoids and their benefits in health and diseases. The review article also sheds light on the mechanisms of actions of citrus flavonoids in the treatment of different diseases, including arthritis, diabetes mellitus, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders as well as liver, kidney and heart diseases. The accumulated and updated knowledge in this review may provide useful information and ideas in the discovery of new strategies for the use of citrus flavonoids in the protection, prevention and therapy of diseases.
Citrus flavonoids, chemistry, benefits in health, benefits in diseases, polymethoxies, glycoside moiety.
Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Physiology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian