Citrus bioactive phenolics: Role in the obesity treatment

Abstract

Adipose tissue performs many functions in the body, being considered an endocrine organ due to substances secreted, called adipokines. The excess of adipose tissue is called obesity, and it is associated with a state of chronic subclinical inflammation. Various strategies and products have been evaluated in an attempt to prevent and treat obesity, standing out the importance of polyphenols from citrus fruits. This paper aims to review studies developed to evaluate the role of these compounds in obesity and some general trends can be highlighted. The in vitro studies indicate that citrus polyphenols could assist in the management of obesity, since they cause a reduction in adipocyte differentiation, lipid content in the cell and adipocyte apoptosis. The biological assays are not entirely consistent; however, most of them indicated a reduction in adipose tissue; increased genes expression indicating a stimulus to β-oxidation; improved lipid profile and glycemia; as well as some evidence of improvement in inflammatory status. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the positive effect of citrus flavonoids in the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines in humans, being beneficial to alleviate the complications present in obesity. However, there are few clinical trials developed to examine its role in reducing adiposity.