title: Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) Flavonoids and Their Potential Benefits in Human Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis: an Overview.
abstract: Elevated serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels are often associated with an increased incidence of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The most effective therapeutic strategy against these diseases is based on statins administration, nevertheless some patients, especially those with metabolic syndrome fail to achieve their recommended LDL targets with statin therapy, moreover, it may induce many serious side effects. Several scientific studies have highlighted a strong correlation between diets rich in flavonoids and cardiovascular risk reduction. In particular, Citrus bergamia Risso, also known as bergamot, has shown a significant degree of hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant/radical scavenging activities. In addition, this fruit has attracted considerable attention due to its peculiar flavonoid composition, since it contains some flavanones that can act as natural statins. Hence, the study of bergamot flavonoids as metabolic regulators offers a great opportunity for screening and discovery of new therapeutic agents. Cholesterol metabolism, flavonoid composition and potential therapeutic use of C. bergamia Risso will be discussed in the following review.
authors.affiliation: Department Pharmacy, Health Sciences and Nutritional, University of Calabria 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza) Italy. annarita.cappello@unical.it.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Cappello
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Dolce
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Iacopetta
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martello
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fiorillo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Curcio
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Muto
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dhanyalayam
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002957:Citrus / Q000737:chemistry*; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015394:Molecular Structure
chemical_list: D005419:Flavonoids