An overview on chemical aspects and potential health benefits of limonoids and their derivatives.

Rosa Tundis, Monica Rosa Loizzo, Francesco Menichini

Journal: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 2014;54(2):225-50

PMID: 24188270

Abstract

Limonoids are heavily oxygenated, modified triterpenes dominant in Meliaceae and Rutaceae plant families. The term 'limonoid' is derived from limonin, which was first identified as the bitter constituent of Citrus seeds in 1841. This group of secondary metabolites exhibits a wide range of biological properties, including anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, and antiviral activities. Significant progress on the role of limonoids as promising candidates for cancer chemoprevention and/or therapy has been achieved in particular in recent years. The aim of this review article is to discuss the recent developments on limonoids chemical aspects and biological activities with the relationship between structure and activity, supporting the new possibilities for the medicinal and/or nutraceutical use of these compounds.

Address: a Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences , University of Calabria , I-87036 Rende (CS) , Italy.

DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2011.581400

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MeSH Terms: Anti-Infective Agents, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Antineoplastic Agents, Antioxidants, Biological Availability, Citrus, Diet, Dietary Supplements, Fruit, Health Promotion, Humans, Limonins, Neuroprotective Agents, Vegetables