Effect of Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia) juice on the Production of the PGF2 alpha/PGE2 and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines involved in Menstruation

Tahiti lemon juice (Citrus latifolia) (TLJ), as a natural source of flavonoids, has been used as an alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of dysmenorrhea and menstrual excessive bleeding, often associated with an imbalance of the prostaglandins (PG) levels. However, despite the positive effects, the mechanisms that rule menstruation control are still unknown. Therefore, the objectives were to characterize the TLJ and analyze its effect on the production of PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines involved inmenstruation. Flavonoids from TLJ were discriminated by UPLC-DAD-MS/MS (Qq-TOF) and the effects of TLJ were studied in vitro by quantification of the contraction of myoblasts in culture and PGF2 alpha and PGE2 productions. Further, the systemic and menstrual fluid levels of PGF2 alpha, PGE2, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, AK1B1 and AK1C3 enzymes produced by women during the menstrual period were compared after exposition or not to TLJ or meloxicam. The results showed that TLJ induces an increase in the contraction of myoblasts and the PGF2 alpha supernatant level. Regarding in vivo analysis, a higher concentration of PGF2 alpha and an unaltered PGE2 level was also found in the menstrual blood of women treated with TLJ, in contrast with a lower level of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha observed in the meloxicam group. Concerning cytokines, only menstrual TNF-alpha levels decrease after treatment with TLJ or meloxicam. In conclusion, TLJ may favor the control of menstruation events via a PGF2 alpha mediated muscle contractile response. (AU)