Strategies for enhancing the bioavailability of naringenin: A comprehensive review.

Abstract

Naringenin is a flavonoid found especially in citrus fruits and has become an important research topic in recent years due to its diverse biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial activities. However, factors such as low water solubility, hydrophobic nature, low intestinal absorption, and extensive first-pass metabolism result in poor oral bioavailability, which severely limits its clinical and food industry applications. To overcome these limitations, delivery systems such as liposomes, micelles, emulsions, hydrogels, β-cyclodextrin complexes, electrospun nanofibers, and nanoparticles have been investigated. This review evaluates the chemical structure, natural sources, biosynthetic pathways, and biological effects of naringenin, and comprehensively assesses recent delivery strategies developed to enhance its stability and oral bioavailability.