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Review
. 2019 Mar 10:2019:5484138.
doi: 10.1155/2019/5484138. eCollection 2019.

Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Ayman M Mahmoud  1 , Rene J Hernández Bautista  2 , Mansur A Sandhu  3 , Omnia E Hussein  1
Affiliations
Review

Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Ayman M Mahmoud et al. Oxid Med Cell Longev. .

Abstract

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing over time. CVD is a comorbidity in diabetes and contributes to premature death. Citrus flavonoids possess several biological activities and have emerged as efficient therapeutics for the treatment of CVD. Citrus flavonoids scavenge free radicals, improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, modulate lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation, suppress inflammation and apoptosis, and improve endothelial dysfunction. The intake of citrus flavonoids has been associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. Although citrus flavonoids exerted multiple beneficial effects, their mechanisms of action are not completely established. In this review, we summarized recent findings and advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of citrus flavonoids against oxidative stress, inflammation, diabetes, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. Further studies and clinical trials to assess the efficacy and to explore the underlying mechanism(s) of action of citrus flavonoids are recommended.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structure of the common citrus flavonoids.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Citrus flavonoids protect against hyperglycemia-induced ROS in the diabetic heart.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Citrus flavonoids prevent eNOS uncoupling and decreased NO production via their antioxidant activity.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Citrus flavonoids confer vascular protection via their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and other biological activities.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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