Abstract:

Objective: To study the intestinal absorption behaviors of two polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs), nobiletin
and tangeretin, from Citrus reticulata “Chachi” peel. Methods: In situ single pass perfusion model was used to investigate
the absorption rate constant (Ka) and apparent absorption coefficient (Kapp), based on nobiletin and tangeretin concentration
in the solution before and after perfusion. Results: An obvious difference between nobiletin and tangeretin was observed for
their absorption in whole intestinal sections. For each of the two PMFs, the absorption in whole intestinal sections was not
significantly different. The concentration and pH of PMFs exerted no remarkable effect on intestinal absorption. Conclusion:
Nobiletin and tangeretin from Citrus reticulata “Chachi” peel can be well absorbed in whole intestinal sections, especially in
the jejunum. Their transport mechanism in vivo is similar to passive diffusion.

Key words: Citrus reticulata “Chachi&rdquo, peel, in situ single pass perfusion, nobiletin, tangeretin