New Perspectives in the Pharmacological Potential of Naringin in Medicine

Abstract

Background: Naringin (NAR) is a flavonoid enriched in several medicinal plants and fruits. An increasing interest in this molecule has been emerging because it has the potential to contribute to alleviating many health problems. Objective:: This review briefly describes the NAR pharmacokinetics and it mainly focus on in vitro and in vivo animal studies showing NAR beneficial effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological and pulmonary disorders and cancer. The anabolic effects of NAR on different models of bone and dental diseases are also analyzed. In addition, the evidence of the NAR action on the gastrointestinal tract is reported as well as its influence on the microbiota composition and activity. Finally, current research on NAR formulations and clinical applications are discussed. Methods: The PubMed database was searched until 2019, using the keywords NAR, naringenin, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, neurological and pulmonary disorders, cancer, bone and dental diseases, gastrointestinal tract, microbiota, NAR formulations, clinical trials. Results: The number of studies related to the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of NAR is limited. Positive effects of NAR have been reported on cardiovascular diseases, type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome, pulmonary disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and gastrointestinal pathologies. Current NAR formulations seem to improve its bioavailability, which would allow its clinical application. Conclusion: NAR is endowed with broad biological effects that could improve human health. Since a scarce number of clinical studies have been performed, the use of them requires more investigation in order to know better their safety, efficacy, delivery and bioavailability in humans.

Fighting Bisphenol A-Induced Male Infertility: The Power of Antioxidants

“…The therapeutic effects of several phytochemicals (flavonoids, lycopene) against BPA-induced reproductive toxicity have also been investigated. Naringin is a flavone found in citrus, tomatoes, cherries, grapefruit, and cocoa that presents several functions, such anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities [141]. Wistar rats exposed to BPA were treated with naringin, presenting normal levels of serum hormones (LH, FSH, testosterone, and E2), improved sperm counts and testicular histology, and a better antioxidant system [88].…”

Mitochondrial Potassium Channels as Druggable Targets

“…Recently, a new set of mitochondrial potassium channels was discovered in skin-derived cells: keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells [25,35,40,53,111]. Naringenin, a plant-derived flavonoid, has been known for many years to have the potential to improve many health problems, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, and pulmonary disorders; and cancer [112,113]. Recently, the cardioprotective function of naringenin due to activation of the cardiac mitoBK Ca channel was shown [114].…”

Multi-Therapeutic Potential of Naringenin (4′,5,7-Trihydroxyflavonone): Experimental Evidence and Mechanisms

“…Recently, researchers have utilized different techniques and complex inclusion methods to develop numerous viable naringenin formulations. These techniques include liposomes, nanoparticles, self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS), and nanosuspensions to improve its bioavailability, which would enhance its clinical applications [ 17 , 18 ].…”