Tangeritin

Tangeritin is a polymethoxylated flavone that is found in tangerine and other citrus peels. Although few randomized, double-blind human studies have been done, animal research shows the potential of tangeritin as a cholesterol lowering agent. A hamster study showed potential protective effects against Parkinson's disease. Tangeritin shows potential as an anti cancer agent. In in vitro studies, tangeritin appears to counteract some of the adaptations of cancer cells. Tangeritin strengthens the cell wall and protects it from invasion. Tangeritin induced apoptosis in leukemia cells while sparing normal cells. It counteracts tumor suppression of gap junction intercellular signaling. It acts to freeze cancer cells in phase G1 of the cell cycle, preventing replication. In summary, in vitro studies show antimutagenic, antiinvasive and antiproliferative effects. One caveat is that tangeritin appears to counteract the anticancer drug tamoxifen and to suppress the activity of natural killer cells. Tangeritin is commercially available as a dietary supplement.