Naringin
Synopsis of naringin
Naringin is a flavonoid glycoside most abundantly found in the peel and pulp of grapefruit, where it contributes to the fruit’s characteristically bitter taste. It is composed of the flavanone naringenin bonded to a disaccharide (rhamnose and glucose). Once ingested, naringin is typically metabolized in the intestines by gut flora to form naringenin, which is more bioactive and better studied.
Naringin exhibits a range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, anti-carcinogenic, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects. As an antioxidant, it helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in tissues. Its anti-inflammatory actions are mediated through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of key pathways like NF-κB.
In metabolic health, naringin has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, increase HDL, and improve overall lipid profiles in animal and some human studies. It also demonstrates anti-diabetic properties, aiding in blood glucose regulation by improving insulin sensitivity and protecting pancreatic beta cells.
Naringin also influences drug metabolism—notably through inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially CYP3A4, which plays a key role in metabolizing many pharmaceutical drugs. This effect is clinically significant: consuming grapefruit or naringin-containing supplements can alter the pharmacokinetics of medications, increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of side effects. This is often referred to as the "grapefruit effect."
Other applications of naringin include supporting cognitive health, where it shows potential neuroprotective benefits in models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It also has shown anticancer activity in lab studies, particularly by modulating cell cycle arrest, apoptosis (cell death), and inhibition of angiogenesis in tumor cells.
Historical Use
As a specific compound, naringin was isolated and identified in the 20th century, and does not appear in historical herbal records. However, its source—grapefruit—has a more substantial history. Grapefruit is believed to have originated in the 18th century as a hybrid between the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and pomelo (Citrus maxima), first described in Barbados and later cultivated widely in Florida and the Caribbean.
Although grapefruit itself was not part of classical traditional medicine (due to its relatively recent emergence), citrus fruits in general have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and European herbalism. Bitter orange, pomelo, and other citrus relatives were often employed to stimulate digestion, reduce phlegm, and support liver function—uses that overlap with some of naringin’s modern-day applications.
In modern herbalism and nutraceutical science, naringin is now recognized for its therapeutic potential, especially as a bioenhancer—a compound that increases the efficacy or bioavailability of other nutrients or drugs. It is often included in formulations for cardiovascular health, metabolic balance, and anti-aging, though care must be taken due to its interaction with drug-metabolizing enzymes.
Naringin is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Liver Detoxification (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
naringin is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Hepatic System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
