Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Cancerous potential of citrus flavonoid naringin: A review

Flavonoids are naturally occurring phenolic compounds with a diverse range of bioactivities. Naringin “C27H32O14” is a flavonoid compound present in citrus fruits. It contributes a characteristic bitter flavor to citrus fruit juice. Naringin and its aglycone naringenin exhibit various pharmacological actions. Investigations on naringin also revealed that its supplementation is beneficial for the treatment of obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Effect of naringin on cancer, diabetes, osteogenesis, osteoporosis, bone regeneration, cardioprotective, renoprotective, hepatoprotective and other systems has been reported. Diabetes and cancer are common diseases with great impact on health worldwide. Effect of naringin on diabetes and cancer has also been investigated. Present review focuses on anti-diabetic and anti-cancerous effect of naringin and its potential to be used as phytomedicine for possible cure of these diseases.