Scientists Identify Beneficial Orange-Derived Antioxidant Combinations

U.S. researchers have determined the best health-promoting combinations of the natural antioxidants found in oranges with a possible goal of developing a “super supplement” that would provide the same benefits as eating an orange or drinking orange juice. For the study, researchers examined the interactions of the phenolic compounds chlorogenic acid, hesperidin, luteolin, myricetin, naringenin, p-coumaric acid, and quercetin at the same concentrations found naturally in navel oranges. Phenolic compounds protect against oxidative damage from free radicals that can lead to hardened arteries and heart disease. They analyzed antioxidant capacity and looked for potential antagonistic, additive, or synergistic – working together for better effect – interactions among various combinations. Several combinations were the most synergistic, with hesperidin and naringenin having the greatest impact, researchers concluded.