Sweet Oranges for Health Benefits

Overseen By Irena Krga, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Davis

Must not be taking: Antibiotics, Laxatives

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

20 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests two types of sweet oranges to assess their effects on antioxidants (substances that protect cells) and inflammation in the body. Participants will consume either 'Rosy Red Valencia', which is rich in certain beneficial compounds, or 'Olinda Valencia', which is not, to compare their effects. The study aims to determine if these oranges can reduce oxidative stress (cell damage) and inflammation. Healthy adults who do not follow special diets and can avoid certain foods and supplements are suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific understanding of dietary impacts on health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you will need to stop using antioxidant supplements, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that sweet oranges, such as the 'Rosy Red Valencia' and 'Olinda Valencia' varieties, are generally safe for most adults. Studies have found that sweet oranges can be a healthy part of a diet, offering benefits like improved heart health and sun protection due to their antioxidants.

For the 'Rosy Red Valencia', the main safety concern is that the juice might irritate eyes if it comes into contact with them. For 'Olinda Valencia', there is a small chance of an allergic skin reaction. However, these reactions are rare, and most people can consume sweet oranges without any issues.

Both types are rich in nutrients and are safe when eaten in normal amounts. However, consuming large amounts of orange peel, especially for children, can cause serious side effects. It is important to enjoy oranges in moderation and follow any advice from healthcare professionals. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the 'Rosy Red Valencia' and 'Olinda Valencia' sweet oranges because they offer a natural approach to health benefits, potentially supporting wellness without synthetic additives or complex pharmaceuticals. Unlike conventional supplements or medications, these sweet oranges boast a rich profile of vitamins, antioxidants, and other natural compounds that may boost health in a gentle, holistic way. Their appeal lies in their potential to offer benefits simply through dietary inclusion, making them both accessible and easy to integrate into daily life.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation?

This trial will compare the health benefits of two sweet orange varieties. Research on the 'Rosy Red Valencia' variety, consumed by participants in one arm of this trial, indicates it is rich in carotenoids like lycopene, which may improve heart health and protect skin from sun damage. Lycopene and other antioxidants in these oranges reduce inflammation and support heart health. Meanwhile, the 'Olinda Valencia' variety, consumed by participants in another arm, lacks these carotenoids but belongs to a group of citrus fruits linked to reducing inflammation and lowering heart disease risk. Overall, both types of oranges are believed to protect cells from damage and support health through their antioxidant properties. ^{4 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Gerardo G Macknezie, PhD

Principal Investigator

Univeristy of California Davis

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy adults interested in participating in a study evaluating the health benefits of two types of sweet oranges. Participants will be required to consume either 'Rosy Red Valencia' or 'Olinda Valencia' oranges daily for 4 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

Body mass index (BMI) with values between 21 and 29.9 kg/m2

I am between 25 and 40 years old.

Willingness to accept randomization, undergo the testing and intervention procedures, and deliver blood and stool samples

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnancy/lactation

Self-report of allergic reactions to study products or their phytochemicals

Psychiatric disease that interferes with the understanding and implementation of the intervention

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Acute Phase

Participants consume either 'Rosy Red Valencia' or 'Olinda Valencia' oranges for 1 day to assess immediate effects

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Chronic Phase

Participants consume either 'Rosy Red Valencia' or 'Olinda Valencia' oranges daily for 4 weeks to assess long-term effects

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• 'Olinda Valencia' sweet orange
• 'Rosy Red Valencia' sweet orange

Trial Overview 'Rosy Red Valencia', rich in carotenoids like lycopene, and 'Olinda Valencia', which lacks these compounds, are being tested for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on healthy subjects over a period of 4 weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: 'Rosy Red Valencia' sweet orange variety Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The participants of this group consume 'Rosy Red Valencia' sweet oranges

Group II: 'Olinda Valencia' sweet orange variety Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The participants of this group consume 'Olinda Valencia' sweet oranges

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Davis

Lead Sponsor

Trials

958

Recruited

4,816,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Red-fleshed sweet orange juice (ROJ) and blond orange juice (BOJ) both showed cytotoxic effects on T acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (Loucy), indicating their potential as chemopreventive agents.

BOJ was particularly effective, causing cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis through increased late apoptosis and necrosis, while ROJ primarily increased early and late apoptosis without affecting the cell cycle as significantly.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chemopreventive Actions of Blond and Red-Fleshed Sweet Orange Juice on the Loucy Leukemia Cell Line. Dourado, GK., Stanilka, JM., Percival, SS., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/sweet-oranges-for-health-benefits-19ba3

Sweet Oranges for Health Benefits This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of acute and chronic consumption of two sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) ...

2. studypages.com studypages.com/s/join-this-study-evaluating-the-antioxidant-and-anti-inflammatory-properties-of-two-sweet-orange-varieties-rosy-red-valencia-and-olinda-valencia-487337/

Join this study evaluating the antioxidant and anti- ... The purpose of this research is to test whether eating sweet orange varieties, called Rosy Red Valencia and Olinda Valencia, can help protect cells from damage ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9598057/

Bioactive Compounds, Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant ... The consumption of citrus fruits is associated with anti-inflammatory effects, obesity control, a decrease in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and a ...

4. medicalnewstoday.com medicalnewstoday.com/articles/272782

Oranges: Health benefits, nutrition, diet, and risks Oranges may help lower the risk of stroke, support the heart and skin, and aid diabetes management. In this article, learn more about the many health ...

5. ui.adsabs.harvard.edu ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024ScHor.33813679M/abstract

Impact on orange juice, pulp portion and peel residue - ADS Valencia orange is the major citrus fruit produced worldwide and its outstanding health benefits are well-established. However, there is a pressing need to ...

6. media.knowde.com media.knowde.com/image/upload/v1731934287/10084-01OrangeOilSweetValencia_SDSUSEN.pdf20241118-1-3p0qb.pdf

Safety Data Sheet Precautionary Statements - Prevention. Wash face, hands and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling.

7. perfumersupplyhouse.com perfumersupplyhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/SDS_Orange-Oil-Valencia_1SC-13208.pdf

Orange Oil Valencia (1SC 13208) SAFETY DATA SHEET H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. H400 Very toxic to aquatic life. H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. BONTOUX, Inc.

8. rxlist.com rxlist.com/supplements/sweet_orange.htm

Sweet Orange: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & ... Sweet orange seems to be safe for most adults. In children, taking large amounts of sweet orange peel is UNSAFE. It can cause colic, convulsions, or death.