Grapefruit is known for its many health benefits, but it can also interfere with some prescription medications. This can make drugs too strong or render them ineffective. New research may have found a way to tackle this issue.
The problem lies mainly in compounds called furanocoumarins. These compounds can interact negatively with over 100 medications. Because of this, people taking these drugs are often advised to avoid certain fruits, including grapefruit.
A research team at The Volcani Center in Israel investigated how furanocoumarins are produced in grapefruit and related fruits, like pomelo. They discovered that a group of genes in the 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2OGD) family is responsible for making these compounds.
Understanding which genes produce furanocoumarins opens the door to creating grapefruit and pomelo varieties that lack these compounds. While other citrus fruits, like oranges and mandarins, naturally don’t produce furanocoumarins, this research could change the situation for grapefruits and pomelos.
According to Yoram Eyal, a plant scientist at The Volcani Center, this knowledge can help breeders and researchers develop citrus fruits that are safe to eat alongside many medications.
The research team used several methods, including DNA analysis and gene comparisons, to pinpoint the genes responsible for furanocoumarin production. They found that different genes in the 2OGD cluster are active in various parts of the plant, depending on factors like environmental stress or attacks from pests. One gene, Cg2g000710, plays a key role in making these compounds.
Interestingly, a specific DNA sequence, called the 655-base insertion sequence, seems to disrupt the Cg2g000710 gene in citrus fruits that don’t produce furanocoumarins. This disruption may be the result of the plants’ evolution over time.
The researchers noted that while the Cg2g000710 gene is intact in grapefruit and pomelo, it is completely absent from mandarins. This breakthrough has mapped out how furanocoumarins are made in citrus fruits for the first time.
Although the research team didn’t create furanocoumarin-free grapefruit, they have laid the groundwork to do so. This could help avoid significant problems caused by interactions between drugs and certain fruits.
Future research will focus on how to produce these modified citrus fruits without changing their taste or introducing other health risks. This research could lead to safer options for people dependent on prescription medications.
The study has been published in New Phytologist.
