Cardioprotective and Hepatoprotective Potential of Citrus Flavonoid Naringin: Current Status and Future Perspectives for Health Benefits

Flavonoids are natural phenolic compounds having wide range of biological activities and have great potential to be used in functional foods. Naringin (C27H32O14) is a well known flavonoid. Citrus fruits are naturally rich in this flavonoid. Naringin exhibit various pharmacological activities with immense therapeutic potential. Researchers all over the world have reported the effect of naringin on diabetes, cancer, obesity, hypertension, bone regeneration, osteogenesis and osteoporosis. It has also been reported for its cardioprotective, renoprotective and hepatoprotective role. Cardiac and hepatic diseases are of major concern worldwide. Role of naringinas cardioprotective and hepatoprotective are under significant investigations. The results are also promising with firm future perspectives. This article reviews the research on cardioprotective and hepatoprotective role of naringin and its future perspectives to be used as phytomedicineor in form of functional food for possible cure of these diseases.