Health: from citrus natural protection for the heart - ANSA.it

Into PISA – Citrus fruits offer a natural protection for the heart. And ‘as demonstrated by a study conducted by a research group of the department of pharmacy at the University of Pisa, published in the scientific journal’ Biochemical Pharmacology ‘.

Scholars Pisa, says in a statement the same University have shown that naringenin – a flavonoid which are particularly rich in the fruits of the genus Citrus, such as orange, lemon and grapefruit – in addition to the typical antioxidant, has significant cardioprotective properties against ischemic damage, with a specific mechanism of action that resides in the interaction with a protein (in particular, an ion channel) located at the level of c ardiac mitochondria.

Many epidemiological studies, it should be noted, had already shown that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, foods rich of flavonoids, reduces the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Most of the experimental research – is still observed – were limited, however, to emphasize the well-known antioxidant properties of flavonoids, which by themselves are not sufficient to justify the effects of this important class of natural compounds.

” Although so far the studies have only been performed on experimental models – have pointed Vincenzo Calderone and Lara Testai, the two researchers, authors of research – this discovery could have a real impact nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, as far as cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in industrialized countries and also involve a massive spending for the national health system. It therefore seems very promising the possibility of developing appropriate nutraceutical formulations based on naringenin, which constantly taken as supplements supply may contribute to the reduction of cardiovascular risk.”