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CardiovascularMetabolic HealthAntioxidant

Naringenin

Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Naringenin is a citrus flavanone found primarily in grapefruit, oranges, and tomatoes. The aglycone form of naringin (the bitter compound in grapefruit). Studied for cardiovascular, metabolic, and antioxidant effects. Active in research as anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and potential anti-cancer compound. Critical: naringin (glycoside form, abundant in grapefruit) is responsible for the grapefruit-drug interaction — naringenin (aglycone) is metabolite with different effects.

Studied Dose 150-500 mg/day; emerging supplement category; standardized doses not yet well-established
Active Compound Naringenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavanone) — aglycone form

Benefits

Cardiovascular / Lipid Effects

Naringenin reduces hepatic lipogenesis and improves lipid profile in animal models. Modest human evidence. Mechanism: PPAR-alpha activation similar to fibrates.

Supported by Trial 1

Insulin Sensitivity / Glycemic Effects

Animal models show improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hepatic glucose production. Human clinical translation modest.

Supported by Trial 1

Antioxidant Activity

Direct free radical scavenging plus Nrf2 pathway activation. Component of cardiovascular and longevity supplementation.

Supported by Trial 2

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Reduces inflammatory cytokine production, modulates NF-κB pathway. Modest anti-inflammatory profile.

Supported by Trial 1

Hepatitis C Antiviral Research (Preliminary)

Some research shows naringenin reduces hepatitis C virus secretion in vitro. Theoretical antiviral applications; clinical translation pending.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

PPAR-Alpha Activation

Naringenin activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) — same nuclear receptor target as fibrate drugs (gemfibrozil, fenofibrate). Reduces lipogenesis, increases fatty acid oxidation.

2

AMPK Activation

Activates AMP-activated protein kinase — improving glucose uptake, fat oxidation, reduced lipogenesis. Same target as metformin and exercise.

3

Naringin VS naringenin distinction (Grapefruit Drug Interaction)

Critical: naringin (the glycoside form, abundant in grapefruit) is responsible for the famous grapefruit-drug interaction via inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4 and OATP transporters. Naringenin (the aglycone metabolite formed by gut bacteria) has different pharmacology and likely doesn't replicate the full grapefruit effect. Supplemental naringenin should not produce grapefruit-juice level drug interactions, but data is limited.

4

Antioxidant Pathway Activation

Direct radical scavenging plus Nrf2 transcription factor activation upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes.

Clinical trials

1
Naringenin / Grapefruit Polyphenols for Lipids — Multiple Animal Studies
PubMed

Multiple animal studies of naringenin for hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome.

Animal models predominantly.

Significant improvements in lipid profile, glucose, insulin sensitivity in animals. Human trials limited and lower quality.

2
Naringenin Pharmacokinetics in Humans
PubMed

Pharmacokinetic studies establishing naringenin oral bioavailability and metabolism.

Healthy adults.

Naringenin oral bioavailability low (~5-15%); rapidly metabolized to glucuronides and sulfates. Plasma concentrations achievable with supplementation may be insufficient for some in vitro mechanisms.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild GI distress.
Headache rare.
Allergic reactions to citrus rare.
Theoretical CYP enzyme effects (modest at supplemental doses; less than grapefruit juice).

Important Drug interactions

Grapefruit-interacting drugs — theoretical concern though naringenin (vs naringin in grapefruit juice) may not fully replicate grapefruit-drug interaction; if on drugs known to interact with grapefruit (statins like simvastatin/atorvastatin, calcium channel blockers, certain immunosuppressants), discuss with prescriber.
Statins — theoretical (less than grapefruit juice).
Calcium channel blockers — theoretical (less than grapefruit juice).
Cyclosporine, tacrolimus — theoretical (less than grapefruit juice).
Hypertensive medications — modest theoretical additive effects.
Diabetes medications — theoretical hypoglycemic effects.

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Frequently asked questions about Naringenin

What is naringenin used for?

Naringenin is a flavonoid found in grapefruit and citrus. It is studied for antioxidant, metabolic, and liver support, including effects on cholesterol and blood sugar in laboratory research.

Is naringenin related to grapefruit drug interactions?

Naringin (which the body converts to naringenin) is part of why grapefruit can interact with certain medications by affecting drug-metabolizing enzymes. Concentrated naringenin supplements may have similar potential, so caution with medications is wise.

How much naringenin should I take?

Isolated naringenin doses are not well standardized; follow product labeling. Citrus fruits provide it naturally as part of a healthy diet.

Is naringenin safe?

Dietary amounts from citrus are very safe. As a supplement, the main caution is potential interactions with medications (like the grapefruit effect), so check with your doctor if you take prescription drugs.

What is Naringenin?

Naringenin is a citrus flavanone found primarily in grapefruit, oranges, and tomatoes. The aglycone form of naringin (the bitter compound in grapefruit). Studied for cardiovascular, metabolic, and antioxidant effects. Active in research as anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and potential anti-cancer compound.

What is the recommended dosage of Naringenin?

The clinically studied dose is 150-500 mg/day; emerging supplement category; standardized doses not yet well-established Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Naringenin safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Naringenin is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI distress. It may also interact with some medications. Naringenin is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Naringenin interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Grapefruit-interacting drugs — theoretical concern though naringenin (vs naringin in grapefruit juice) may not fully replicate grapefruit-drug interaction; if on drugs known to interact with grapefruit (statins like simvastatin/atorvastatin, calcium channel blockers, certain immu… If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Naringenin?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Naringenin as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 2 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Naeini F, Namkhah Z, Tutunchi H, Rezayat SM, Mansouri S, Yaseri M, Hosseinzadeh-Attar MJ Effects of naringenin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight/obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2022;34(3):345-353. doi: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000002323.PubMedUsed to support: Human double-blind placebo-controlled RCT of naringenin supplementation measuring cardiovascular risk factors in overweight/obese NAFLD patients; primary human evidence for Cardiovascular / Lipid Effects and Anti-Inflammatory benefits.
  2. Alam MA, Subhan N, Rahman MM, Uddin SJ, Reza HM, Sarker SD Effect of citrus flavonoids, naringin and naringenin, on metabolic syndrome and their mechanisms of action. Advances in Nutrition. 2014;5(4):404-17. doi: 10.3945/an.113.005603.PubMedUsed to support: Review of naringenin/naringin effects on metabolic syndrome components including lipids, insulin resistance, and inflammation; supports Cardiovascular / Lipid Effects, Insulin Sensitivity / Glycemic Effects, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects benefits.