USES AND PROPERTIES OF CITRUS FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are a widely distributed group of polyphenolic compounds wi th health-related properties, which are based in their antioxidant act ivity. These properties have been found to include anticancer, antivir al, antiinflammatory activities, effects on capillary fragility, and a n ability to inhibit human platelet aggregation. The antioxidant capac ity of any flavonoid will be determined by a combination of the O-dihy droxy structure in the B-ring, the 2,3-double bond in conjugation with a 4-oxo function and the presence of both hydroxyl groups in position s 3 and 5. Flavanones, flavones, and flavonols are the flavonoids pres ent in Citrus, and although flavones and flavonols have been found in low concentrations in Citrus tissues, in relationship to flavanones, t hese types of compounds have been show to be powerful antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Some Citrus flavonoids can be used directly as repellents or toxins or be used in plant improvement programs to ob tain more resistant crops. In addition, some Citrus flavonoids and the ir derivates, in the field of food technology, are principally known f or their ability to provide a bitter or sweet taste and as bitterness inhibitor.