An insight into the role of citrus bioactives in modulation of colon cancer

• Chemopreventive actions of citrus bioactives on molecular targets.
• Anti-angiogenesis, anti-migration and anti-invasive effects of flavonoids.
• Hesperetin balances the endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems.
• Anticarcinogenic actions of citrus limonoids like limonin and obacunone.
• Suppressive actions of β-cryptoxanthin in colon cancer.

Citrus fruits are important health promoting fruits rich in a number of bioactive components mainly flavonoids, limonoids, coumarins, volatile oils and carotenoids. Citrus bioactives have been found to scavenge reactive oxygen species, rejuvenate body's own antioxidant enzymes, inhibit various signalling pathways, act on extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, suppress inflammatory mediators and arrest the cell cycle. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular diseases and colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Studies have suggested a positive relation between diet rich in natural phytochemicals and reduced risk of colon cancer. The present review highlights the chemopreventive action of various citrus phytochemicals in colon cancer. The studies suggest that citrus bioactives either alone or in combination with current therapeutic agents can be developed as potential drug candidates for colon cancer.