Naringenin Nano-Delivery Systems and Their Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Naringenin (NRG) is a polyphenolic phytochemical belonging to the class of flavanones and is widely distributed in citrus fruits and some other fruits such as bergamot, tomatoes, cocoa, and cherries. NRG presents several interesting pharmacological properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the therapeutic potential of NRG is hampered due to its hydrophobic nature, which leads to poor bioavailability. Here, we review a wide range of nanocarriers that have been used as delivery systems for NRG, including polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), nanosuspensions, and nanoemulsions. These nanomedicine formulations of NRG have been applied as a potential treatment for several diseases, using a wide range of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models and different routes of administration. From this review, it can be concluded that NRG is a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, liver diseases, ocular disorders, inflammatory diseases, skin diseases, and diabetes when formulated in the appropriate nanocarriers.

Chemical Characterization of Sambucus nigra L. Flowers Aqueous Extract and Its Biological Implications

“…As mentioned before, several compounds detected in S. nigra extract have implication in cancer therapy as chemopreventive agents or as supplements that act as adjuvants in chemotherapy, namely quercetin, caffeoylquinic acid, naringenin and kaempferol. These compounds and their derivatives are known to exert growth inhibitory effects in colon cancer cells by decreasing tumor growth and suppressing cell survival or proliferation rate through induction of apoptosis or autophagy [70][71][72][73]. Additional according to the literature other natural compounds present in plant-based products, such as resveratrol, calebin A or curcumin are activated as intracellular signaling molecules during anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor action, via multiple signaling pathways [74][75][76].…”

On the Development of a Cutaneous Flavonoid Delivery System: Advances and Limitations

“…Fang and colleagues assessed the possibility of using multilamellar phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes studied for topical and intratumor delivery administration of catechin, EC, and EGCG in nude mice [ 152 , 153 ]. The authors showed that the inclusion of anionic species such as deoxycholic acid and dicetyl phosphate increased the encapsulation of the catechins and the permeability of the lipid bilayers.…”

“…The results showed that optimization of the physicochemical features and composition of liposomes could control and improve the delivery of catechins. Moreover, the results suggested that the intratumor administration of liposomes might be an effective approach for the local treatment of solid tumors [ 152 , 153 ].…”

Effects of Bergamot Polyphenols on Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

“…An increase in fruit and vegetable intake can affect carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and regulate genes related to the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy, reducing myocardial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte death [ 189 ]. Furthermore, several epidemiological experiments showed that natural compounds reduce the risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases [ 190 , 191 ]. The literature suggests that the bergamot fruit ( Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau), 80% of which is produced in Calabria, southern Italy, is composed of a high percentage of polyphenols [ 192 ] and plays an important role in several areas of interest, including cardiovascular health, diabetes, inflammation, the nervous system, bone metabolism, and skin [ 193 ].…”