Potential Benefits of Bioactive Functional Components of Citrus Fruits for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

As accumulating evidence ties dietary ingredients to disease therapy and prevention, the notion that food can be nutritionally beneficial and health-promoting is gaining favour in the public sphere and among the scientific community. The most popular fruit after mangoes, tomatoes, and bananas, citrus fruits represent one of the most important and beneficial plant products. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, mandarins, limes, tangarines etc.) are a high source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres, pectins etc. They also comprise active phytochemicals like phenolic acids, flavones, flavanones, and flavonols, which are widely thought to protect our health due to their significant biomedical potency. These include massive antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiatherogenic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anticlotting efficacy, etc. Numerous research investigations have found a beneficial relationship between phytochemical-rich meals (particularly flavonoid-rich foods) and a reduction in a variety of significant health complications. The efficacy of citrus fruit extract is backed up by robust indications from both types of studies (ex vitro and ex vivo) that have provided insight into the fundamental mechanisms at work. Citrus fruit extracts are excellent candidates for nutraceuticals and functional foods aimed at managing microbial infection, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other major health concerns. Excessive reactive oxygen radical production during viral infection, inflammation, and other pathogenic conditions results in substantial cell damage, as found most prominently in the COVID-19 consequence. Various studies are also in good agreement that hesperdin, vitamin C, dietary fibers, etc. found in citrus fruits have the potential to mitigate those pathologic impacts associated with COVID-19. Citrus fruits are incredibly rich in vital substances that may influence immunity and protect cellular organisms or the environment from massive oxidative stress, along with other potential health benefits. Additionally, a wide range of citrus fruit associated byproducts and food waste include significant levels of bioactive compounds having possibilities for use in animal health care, feed, and processed foods. This chapter discuss about how the bioactive phytocomponents of different citrus fruits can be used to treat diseases and keep people healthy.