News and Views

Orange juice has many potential positive effects on cancer because it is high in antioxidants from flavonoids such as hesperitin and naringinin. In vitro studies have indicated that orange juice can reduce the risk of leukemia in children, as well as aid in chemoprevention against mammary, hepatic and colon cancers. Biological effects of orange juice in vitro are largely influenced by the juice's composition, which is dependent on physiological conditions of the oranges such as climate, soil, fruit maturation and storage methods post-harvest. Further research is highly recommended to determine the biological connection between orange juice and cancer chemoprevention. Issues such as the type of cultivar and the amount consumed will also need clarification. Several biological effects of orange juice can contribute to chemoprevention, including antioxidant, antimutagenic and antigenotoxic, cytoprotective, hormonal and cell signaling modulating effects. Orange juice has antimicrobial and antiviral action and modulates the absorption of xenobiotics. Among the most relevant biological effects are the antigenotoxic and antimutagenic potentials, which were shown in cells in culture and in rodents and humans.