Naringen
Also known as: Naringenin, Flavanone, Naringin (glycoside form)
Overview
Naringenin is a flavanone, a type of flavonoid, predominantly found in citrus fruits such as grapefruits and oranges. It is recognized for its potential health-promoting properties, primarily attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that naringenin may play a role in modulating various biological pathways, particularly those involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic regulation. It is being investigated for its potential therapeutic applications in conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular diseases. While naringenin is often associated with its glycoside form, naringin, it is the aglycone form that exhibits biological activity after enzymatic hydrolysis. Available evidence is largely based on animal and in vitro studies, with limited human clinical trials, indicating the need for further research to validate its effects in humans. Naringenin is available in dietary supplements and is naturally consumed through citrus fruits.
Benefits
Naringenin has demonstrated potential benefits in managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by modulating lipid and glucose metabolism, as evidenced by systematic reviews of animal and in vitro studies. It exhibits cardioprotective effects by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation in animal models. Furthermore, preclinical studies suggest that naringenin may have skeletal benefits by inhibiting osteoclast formation and promoting osteoblast differentiation. These beneficial effects have been observed primarily in models of obesity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular dysfunction. However, the clinical significance and effect sizes in humans remain uncertain due to the limited number of human clinical trials. More research is needed to confirm these benefits and determine optimal dosages for human use.
How it works
Naringenin exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Primarily, it acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, modulating key factors such as ROS/RNS, COX-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. It influences lipid and glucose metabolism, thereby affecting liver and cardiovascular health. At the molecular level, naringenin modulates PPARs, JAK/STAT, MAPKs, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Its bioavailability is generally low due to extensive metabolism. Further research is needed to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action and improve its bioavailability for therapeutic applications.
Side effects
Naringenin is generally considered safe, but comprehensive human data is limited. Common side effects are not well-documented due to the lack of extensive human studies. Potential gastrointestinal effects are possible, although not extensively studied. Rare side effects are currently unknown due to the limited number of comprehensive human trials. Naringenin may interact with certain medications due to its involvement in metabolic pathways, but specific data on these interactions is lacking. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Limited data exists regarding its use in children or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease. Further research is needed to fully characterize its safety profile in diverse populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of naringenin for humans is not well-established; animal studies have used doses ranging from 50-100 mg/kg. Human equivalent doses are speculative but may range from tens to hundreds of milligrams per day. The maximum safe dose has not been established, and caution is advised with high doses. There are no specific timing recommendations available. Bioavailability may be improved with certain formulations, but data is limited. Absorption may be influenced by food intake and metabolic status. No required cofactors have been established. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosage ranges and timing for specific health benefits.
FAQs
How is naringenin typically consumed?
Naringenin is consumed through citrus fruits or as a dietary supplement. However, its efficacy and safety as a supplement are not fully established, and more human studies are needed.
Is naringenin safe to take?
Naringenin is generally considered safe, but comprehensive human safety data is lacking. Individuals should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare provider before using it as a supplement.
What are the expected benefits of taking naringenin?
Potential benefits include improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular health, but human evidence is limited. Results may vary, and it should not be considered a replacement for conventional medical treatments.
What is the difference between naringenin and naringin?
Naringenin is the aglycone form, while naringin is its glycoside form. Naringin requires enzymatic hydrolysis to release naringenin, which is the biologically active compound.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35084066/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies found that naringenin alleviates cardiovascular disorders through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The study highlights the potential of naringenin in improving cardiovascular health, but notes the need for human clinical trials to confirm these findings.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32879962/ – This systematic review, encompassing 36 studies involving animal and in vitro models, suggests that naringenin modulates lipid and glucose metabolism, showing promise in treating NAFLD. The review emphasizes the potential therapeutic role of naringenin in managing NAFLD, while acknowledging the limitations due to the scarcity of human clinical trials.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/22/4851 – This scoping review of in vitro and animal studies indicates that naringenin inhibits osteoclast formation and promotes osteoblast differentiation, suggesting potential skeletal benefits. The review points to the potential of naringenin in bone health, but highlights the need for human studies to validate these preclinical findings.
