Description
Naringin is a phytoestrogen and flavanone glycoside originally found in citrus fruits that exhibits anti-angiogenic, anticancer chemotherapeutic, antioxidative, neuroprotective, cognition enhancing, nephroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. Naringin inhibits release of VEGF in ER+ breast cancer cells; in similar cancer models, naringin increases expression of p21 and decreases expression of survivin and β-catenin, suppressing cell and tumor growth. This compound binds estrogen receptors, acting as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) in a concentration-dependent manner. Naringin also improves colchicine-induced deficits in cognitive performance and attenuates oxidative damage by decreasing levels of malondialdehyde and nitrates and increasing activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase. Naringin also improves cognitive function and CaMKII activity in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, this compound inhibits gentamicin-induced increases in TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB and suppresses levels of Bax, caspase 3, and p53.