I recently met Rob Brewster, President (Brewster Brand Citrus Bioflavonoids/Brewster Nutrition/Ingredients by Nature), whose family business pioneered the bioflavonoid category nearly 75 years ago. His passion and knowledge of this category immediately got my attention, along with some new and exciting ingredients they launched (to follow at another date). While I have always been aware of the antioxidant benefits of these plant-derived compounds, I wasn’t fully aware of how far science has come in the past decades. Thus, I decided to write a short blog for those who weren’t fully aware of the benefits and where they show the most promise moving forward.
What are Citrus Bioflavonoids?
Citrus bioflavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes. These potent antioxidants have garnered significant attention for their health benefits, from boosting cardiovascular health to supporting the immune system. Let’s take a quick look at some of the studied benefits.
Impact on Health
Cardiovascular Health[i]
Citrus bioflavonoids have been shown to support cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation and reducing blood pressure. They help to strengthen capillaries, prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, and improve overall heart function.
Antioxidant Protection[ii]
The antioxidant properties of citrus bioflavonoids are their most well-known benefit. These compounds help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress. The potent antioxidant activity of citrus bioflavonoids is partly due to the numerous antioxidant-like compounds, particularly hesperidin, hesperetin, naringin, diosmin, and quercetin, which protect cells from oxidative damage.
Immune System Support[iii] [iv] [v]
Citrus bioflavonoids are also known to enhance immune function. Aside from their impact on reducing oxidative stress, modern medicine describes other mechanisms. These include antimicrobial activity, modulating the activity and function of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, and modulating immune responses in allergic conditions by inhibiting the release of histamine.
Skin Health and Anti-Aging[vi] [vii]
The anti-aging benefits of citrus bioflavonoids are becoming increasingly popular in skincare. These compounds protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors. They also promote collagen production, vital for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
Emerging research suggests that citrus bioflavonoids may aid in many areas of metabolic health. Diosmin is a common component of many citrus fruits and can stimulate the activity of ß cells. Citrus bioflavonoids have improved glucose tolerance, increased insulin secretion and sensitivity, decreased insulin resistance, and reduced glucose absorption. Other impact areas include reduced adipose tissue mass, adipocyte size, and body weight. Bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, have been shown to influence energy metabolism by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and function.
Citrus bioflavonoids offer many health benefits, from protecting the heart to enhancing the skin’s radiance. Including more citrus fruits in our dietary supplements or functional foods helps us harness these potent compounds to support our overall health.
References:
[i] Mahmoud AM, Hernández Bautista RJ, Sandhu MA, Hussein OE. Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Mar 10;2019:5484138. doi: 10.1155/2019/5484138. PMID: 30962863; PMCID: PMC6431442.
[ii] Mahmoud AM, Hernández Bautista RJ, Sandhu MA, Hussein OE. Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Mar 10;2019:5484138. doi: 10.1155/2019/5484138. PMID: 30962863; PMCID: PMC6431442.
[iii] Pérez-Cano FJ, Castell M. Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System. Nutrients. 2016 Oct 21;8(10):659. doi: 10.3390/nu8100659. PMID: 27775647; PMCID: PMC5084045.
[iv] Kim, S. H., Park, J. G., Lee, J., Yang, W. S., Park, G., Kim, D., Park, S. K., & Kim, W. (2013). Naringin suppresses the production of Th2-associated cytokines and mediates the regulatory T cell response in ovalbumin-induced asthma. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 62, 99-105.
[v] Kawasaki, T., Seki, E., Osajima, K., Yoshida, T., Asada, K., Matsushima, N., & Danbara, N. (2000). Antimicrobial action of natural substances on oral bacteria. The Bulletin of Tokyo Dental College, 41(3), 167-173.
[vi] Sebghatollahi, Zahra & Ghanadian, Mustafa & Agarwal, Pooja & Seyedhosseini Ghaheh, Hooria & Mahato, Neelima & Yogesh, Ruchika & Hejazi, Seyed Hossein. (2022). Citrus Flavonoids: Biological Activities, Implementation in Skin Health, and Topical Applications: A Review. Review. 10.1021/acsfoodscitech.2c00165.
[vii] Tan Q, Chen B, Wu C, Shao T. Exploring the potential nutritional role of bioflavonoids in exercise rehabilitation: a kinematic perspective. Front Nutr. 2023 Jun 30;10:1221800. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1221800. PMID: 37457973; PMCID: PMC10347382.
[viii] Mahmoud AM, Hernández Bautista RJ, Sandhu MA, Hussein OE. Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019 Mar 10;2019:5484138. doi: 10.1155/2019/5484138. PMID: 30962863; PMCID: PMC6431442.
[ix] Tan Q, Chen B, Wu C, Shao T. Exploring the potential nutritional role of bioflavonoids in exercise rehabilitation: a kinematic perspective. Front Nutr. 2023 Jun 30;10:1221800. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1221800. PMID: 37457973; PMCID: PMC10347382.