Citrus fruits trees have come to gain a worldwide recognition for their suiting refreshing juice, nutritious value and numerous health benefits and maintenances. Their applied health therapeutic uses have been exploited in the treatment of several health challenges as antitumor, anti-inflammatory anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial activities, against cardiovascular diseases and macular degeneration. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) juice has been shown to effectively serve as hypolipidemic, possesses the ability to interact with orthodox medicines. Obviously, citrus fruits’ abilities on the exploited benefits are not far from their rich bioactive compounds and phytochemical such as minerals, vitamins, flavonoids and carotenoids. These phytochemicals may act as antioxidants, boosting the action of protective enzymes in the liver, reverse lipid peroxidation of genetic material and improve immune system. A close look at this chapter includes introduction, history and description, structures and biochemistry of phytochemicals, metabolism of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds and beneficial effects of citrus fruits.
Part of the book: Citrus