Role of citrus juices and distinctive components in the modulation of degenerative processes: genotoxicity, antigenotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and longevity in Drosophila.

It is well established that breakfast beverages contain high quantities of Citrus juices. The purpose of the present study was to assess the nutraceutical value of orange and lemon juices as well as two of their active compounds: hesperidin and limonene. Indicator assays were performed at three levels to evaluate different biological health promoter activities: (i) determination of the safety and DNA-damage protecting ability against free radicals by using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in Drosophila melanogaster, (ii) study of the modulating role for life span in Drosophila melanogaster, and (iii) measurement of the cytotoxic activity against the human tumor cell line HL60. The highest concentrations assayed for lemon juice and limonene (50% v/v and 0.73 mM, respectively) showed genotoxic activity as evidenced from SMART. Orange and lemon juices as well as hesperidin and limonene exhibit antigenotoxic activity against hydrogen peroxide used as an oxidative genotoxin. Life-span experiments revealed that the lower concentrations of orange juice, hesperidin, and limonene exerted a positive influence on the life span of Drosophila. Finally all substances showed cytotoxic activity, with hesperidin being least active. Taking into account the safety, antigenotoxicity, longevity, and cytotoxicity data obtained in the different assays, orange juice may be a candidate as a nutraceutical food as it (1) is not genotoxic, (2) is able to protect DNA against free radicals, and (3) inhibits growth of tumor cells.