Naringenin

Naringenin is a naturally occurring flavanone, a type of flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables and herbs. It is especially well known in citrus fruits such as grapefruit and oranges, but it is also found in tomatoes and a variety of other plants.

Naringenin is being studied for its potential role in antioxidant protection, inflammation, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and brain and nervous system health.

As with many plant compounds, much of the research is still developing. Naringenin is not a treatment or cure, but learning about it helps us better understand how the plants and foods we consume may contribute to overall health and wellness.

Antioxidant Support

Normal metabolism produces reactive molecules known as free radicals or reactive oxygen species. Our bodies have natural antioxidant systems that help keep these molecules in balance.

When that balance is disrupted, oxidative stress can occur.

Naringenin has demonstrated antioxidant activity and is being studied for its ability to influence the body's own antioxidant defence systems. This may help explain some of the interest in flavonoid-rich foods as part of a varied, plant-rich diet.

Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal part of the body's response to injury, infection and other stresses. However, persistent or excessive inflammation is associated with many chronic health conditions.

Research suggests that naringenin can influence biological pathways involved in inflammation and the production of inflammatory compounds.

Most of this evidence remains experimental, but it provides another area of interest in understanding how naturally occurring plant compounds may contribute to maintaining health.

Heart and Cardiovascular Health

Naringenin has been studied for several areas connected with cardiovascular wellness, including:

• Cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism

• Blood-vessel function

• Oxidative stress

• Inflammatory processes

• Overall lipid metabolism

Some human studies have produced promising results, but larger and longer studies are still needed.

Rather than looking at naringenin as a treatment, this research helps us understand why consuming a variety of plant foods containing flavonoids may be valuable as part of an overall approach to cardiovascular wellness.

Metabolic Health

Naringenin is also being investigated for its relationship with glucose, insulin and fat metabolism.

Research has examined how naringenin may influence insulin signalling, glucose processing, lipid metabolism and fat accumulation in the liver.

Much of this evidence comes from laboratory and animal research. Eating a plant containing naringenin should therefore not be expected to produce the same effects as concentrated naringenin used experimentally.

Brain and Nervous System Health

Another developing area of research involves naringenin and the nervous system.

Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are being investigated for their potential to help protect cells from oxidative and inflammatory stress.

Research in this area remains largely experimental, so it cannot establish that naringenin prevents or treats neurological conditions. It does, however, contribute to the growing interest in how plant flavonoids may support long-term brain and nervous system wellness.

Naringenin From Plants

Naringenin can occur naturally in plants on its own or attached to sugars as related compounds known as glycosides.

After we eat these plants, the compounds must be digested, absorbed and metabolized. The amount present in a plant is therefore not necessarily the amount that eventually becomes available to tissues within the body.

This is an important distinction when looking at plant-based nutrition. A whole plant provides far more than a single compound, and laboratory research using concentrated naringenin cannot be directly compared with eating that plant.

Native Ontario Plants

Goldenrod — Solidago species

Naringenin and related compounds have been identified within the Solidago genus, which includes numerous goldenrod species native to Ontario.

Different goldenrod species can have different phytochemical profiles, so the presence or concentration of naringenin should not automatically be considered identical across every species.

Goldenrod is another example of why learning about the plants growing naturally around us can expand our understanding of the diversity of plant compounds found within our own communities.

Plants That Can Be Grown Indoors Year-Round in Small Spaces

Peppermint — Mentha × piperita

Peppermint contains naringenin and related naringenin compounds along with many other naturally occurring polyphenols.

Peppermint is well suited to small-space growing and can be repeatedly harvested indoors throughout the year.

Sweet Basil — Ocimum basilicum

Sweet basil contains naringenin and related flavonoids.

It grows relatively quickly, responds well to repeated harvesting and can be grown indoors year-round with adequate light.

Hot Peppers — Capsicum annuum

Naringenin has been identified among the naturally occurring phenolic compounds in hot peppers.

Many pepper varieties can be grown in containers indoors with sufficient light and warmth.

Carolina Reaper — Capsicum chinense

Naringenin has also been identified in Capsicum chinense, the species that includes Carolina Reaper.

These plants require more space, warmth and light than many herbs, but they can be grown indoors throughout the year under suitable conditions.

Dandelion — Taraxacum officinale

Naringenin has been identified in dandelion leaves and roots.

Dandelion can be grown in containers indoors, providing another way to explore a familiar plant beyond seeing it simply as a common lawn plant.

Broadleaf Plantain — Plantago major

Broadleaf plantain contains naringenin among its naturally occurring polyphenols.

It can be grown in relatively small containers and maintained indoors throughout the year.

Narrowleaf Plantain — Plantago lanceolata

Naringenin has also been detected in narrowleaf plantain, although some research has found it only in relatively small or trace quantities.

Like broadleaf plantain, it can be grown indoors in containers.

True Lavender — Lavandula angustifolia

Naringenin has been identified among the flavonoids associated with Lavandula angustifolia.

True Lavender can be grown indoors in containers when provided with strong light and appropriate growing conditions. Lavender 'Dwarf Munstead' and Lavender Hidcote Blue Strain are cultivars of this same species and are therefore included here rather than being listed separately.

More Than One Compound

Learning about naringenin is not about finding one compound that will solve a health problem.

Plants contain complex combinations of flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, fibre, terpenes and many other naturally occurring compounds.

Peppermint is more than naringenin. So are basil, peppers, dandelion, plantain and lavender.

Understanding individual compounds simply helps us better understand what is contained within the plants we eat and grow.

For people with limited outdoor space, many of these plants can also be grown indoors throughout the year. A windowsill, shelf, container or small hydroponic growing area can provide an opportunity to grow, learn and become more connected with some of the plants that contribute to our nutrition.

The Wellness Profiles are about increasing knowledge and providing practical options. The more we understand about plants and nutrition, the better prepared we are to make informed choices about our own health and wellness.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research into naringenin is ongoing, and potential health benefits should not be considered proven treatments. Plants and concentrated extracts can interact with medications or medical conditions. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate.