Title:Citrus Flavonoids and Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review of
Clinical Studies
Volume: 30
Issue: 19
Author(s): Laura Musumeci, Alessandro Maugeri, Caterina Russo, Giovanni Enrico Lombardo*, Santa Cirmi*Michele Navarra
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina,
Messina, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina,
Messina, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences,
University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
Keywords:
Autoimmune diseases, immune system, Citrus flavonoids, natural compounds, nutraceuticals, clinical studies, systematic review, supplement, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes, colitis, thyroiditis.
Abstract:
Background: Autoimmune diseases are chronic disorders in which the immune
system does not recognize and attacks one self’s healthy components. In this context,
although natural remedies might represent a promising therapeutic strategy, evidence
regarding Citrus flavonoids is still controversial.
Objective: To summarize and critically discuss the clinical evidence on the effects of Citrus
flavonoids on managing autoimmune diseases.
Method: A systematic review of articles has been carried out independently by two authors
using MEDLINE, Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases. Search terms comprised
keywords related to Citrus flavonoids and autoimmune diseases. The last search
was performed on the 16th of March, 2021. No language restrictions were applied. Systematic
review and study selection were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting
Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Before
starting the review, the authors defined the types of articles to be included. Three reviewers
independently carried out the extraction of papers.
Results: Ten clinical studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the final
review.
Conclusion: The studies discussed in this review are heterogeneous. Indeed, some
studies suggest using Citrus flavonoids in the frame of autoimmune disorders, whereas
others discourage it. Hence, this systematic review highlights the need for further large-scale
clinical studies to define the exact role of Citrus flavonoids in managing autoimmune
diseases (PROSPERO number CRD42021234903).