Análisis biosintético y metabólico de los compuestos de Citrus limón en el tratamiento de la obesidad y trastornos metabólicos asociados: una revisión sistemática de la evidencia científica (2001-2025).
Palabras clave:
Obesidad, Citrus limon, Hesperidina, Flavonoides, Microbioma Gastrointestinal, Proteína Quinasa Activada por AMP, Receptores Activados por Proliferadores de Peroxisomas, EriocitrinaResumen
La presente revisión sistemática analiza exhaustivamente el potencial terapéutico de los metabolitos secundarios de Citrus limon en el abordaje de la obesidad y sus complicaciones metabólicas entre 2001 y 2025. La evidencia científica acumulada destaca que compuestos como la eriocitrina y la hesperidina actúan mediante mecanismos biosintéticos complejos para regular el balance energético. El análisis revela que estos flavonoides son potentes activadores de la proteína quinasa activada por AMP (AMPK), lo que promueve la oxidación de ácidos grasos y disminuye la lipogénesis hepática. Asimismo, se documenta la interacción crítica entre estos compuestos y el microbioma gastrointestinal, donde la biotransformación bacteriana en agliconas como el eriodictyol resulta esencial para su absorción y eficacia sistémica. En el ámbito clínico, la suplementación con extractos estandarizados ricos en eriocitrina ha demostrado una capacidad significativa para revertir estados de prediabetes, mejorar la sensibilidad a la insulina y elevar los niveles de la hormona GLP-1, reguladora del apetito. Estos hallazgos sugieren que Citrus limon no es solo una fuente de vitamina C, sino un reservorio de nutracéuticos con efectos pleiotrópicos sobre el metabolismo de lípidos y glucosa. El estudio también subraya la importancia de los procesos de extracción sostenibles para preservar la bioactividad de estos fitonutrientes. En conclusión, el uso terapéutico de los derivados del limón representa una estrategia complementaria eficaz y segura para el manejo integral de la obesidad y la inflamación crónica de bajo grado asociada al síndrome metabólico. Diabetes Actual, 2025; Vol 3 (3): 167-178.
This systematic review comprehensively analyzes the therapeutic potential of Citrus limon secondary metabolites in the treatment of obesity and its metabolic complications between 2001 and 2025. The accumulated scientific evidence highlights that compounds such as eriocitrin and hesperidin act through complex biosynthetic mechanisms to regulate energy balance. The analysis reveals that these flavonoids are potent activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which promotes fatty acid oxidation and decreases hepatic lipogenesis. Furthermore, the critical interaction between these compounds and the gut microbiome is documented, where bacterial biotransformation into aglycones such as eriodictyol is essential for their absorption and systemic efficacy. In clinical practice, supplementation with standardized extracts rich in eriocitrin has demonstrated a significant capacity to reverse prediabetes, improve insulin sensitivity, and increase levels of the appetiteregulating hormone GLP-1. These findings suggest that Citrus limon is not only a source of vitamin C, but also a reservoir of nutraceuticals with pleiotropic effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. The study also underscores the importance of sustainable extraction processes to preserve the bioactivity of these phytonutrients. In conclusion, the therapeutic use of lemon derivatives represents an effective and safe complementary strategy for the comprehensive management of obesity and low-grade chronic inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Actual, 2025; Vol 3 (3): 167-178.
Citas
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