A backgrounder for more information on citrus limonoids. Symposium Highlights Potential Benefits of Citrus CompoundsBy Kathryn Barry Stelljes March 23, 1999ANAHEIM, Calif., Mar. 23--Natural chemicals in citrus fruit could lead to tastier juice and to other benefits for farmers, food processors and health-conscious consumers, according to researchers presenting findings at a special symposium of the American Chemical Society here today. In 1972, California chemist Shin Hasegawa at USDAs Agricultural Research Service identified citrus compounds--called limonoid glucosides--that reduce the bitterness of the citrus juice. These compounds form naturally during ripening and can be extracted from seeds, pulp and other tissues left over after juice processing. Since then," he said, "we have isolated 17 of these compounds and developed methods for producing them on a commercial scale. We have also isolated the enzyme responsible for the production of limonoid glucosides." Hasegawa is based at ARS' Western Regional Research Center in Albany, Calif. Hasegawas team has collaborated with researchers in several countries who are investigating potential health benefits and other uses for the compounds. As examples, university scientists have preliminary findings indicating the chemicals may have anti-cancer and cholesterol-lowering properties. Diverse research on these citrus compounds will be presented today in a day-long symposium at the American Chemical Societys 217th national meeting. This is the first time all of the research on limonoids has been pulled together in one place, said Hasegawa. Scheduled topics for the symposium include: - Debittering citrus juice (presenter from ARS, Winter Haven, Fla.); and
- Limonoids as taxonomic markers for citrus species (presenter from ARS, Peoria, Ill.).
Scientific contact: Shin Hasegawa, or Gary Manners, Process Chemistry and Engineering Research Unit, ARS Western Regional Research Center, Albany, Calif., phone (510) 559-5819, fax (510) 559-5963, [email protected] and [email protected]. During March 21-24, Hasegawa can be reached at the Hyatt Regency Alicante, phone (714) 750-1234, fax (714) 740-0465. During March 21-23, Manners will be at the West Coast, phone (714) 750-1811, fax (714) 971-3626. For a backgrounder that provides more information on citrus limonoids, contact Kathryn Barry Stelljes, ARS Information Staff, phone (510) 559-6069, [email protected]. Paper abstracts and other details about the American Chemical Society meeting are available on the World Wide Web at http://www.acs.org/meetings/anaheim/welcome.htm. Story contacts Gary D Manners U.S. Department of Agriculture | |