Is Naringenin has anti-cancer effects & its sources

Naringenin is a natural flavonoid found in various citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, oranges, and tomatoes. Researchers have become increasingly interested in its potential health benefits. One of the most important and emerging research topics is whether naringenin has anti-cancer effects.

This article focuses on naringenin’s anti-cancer effects, how it works in the body, and where to get this powerful molecule.

What Is Naringenin?

Naringenin is a flavonoid, a plant-derived chemical renowned for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects. Naringenin is most commonly found in citrus fruits, but it can also be found in tomatoes, cherries, and some herbs. Its potential to improve health and prevent diseases such as cancer has been extensively studied.

Naringenin has anti-cancer effects. How does it work?

The anticancer activity of naringenin has been studied in a variety of malignancies, including breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer, with promising results. Naringenin works by targeting multiple biological pathways involved in cancer origin and progression. The anticancer actions of naringenin may be due to the following mechanisms:

1. Inhibiting tumor growth
2. Inducing apoptosis (Cell Death)
3. Antioxidant properties
4. Reducing inflammation
5. Preventing metastasis

Inhibiting tumor growth: Naringenin may inhibit tumor growth by stopping cancer cells from growing uncontrollably. Studies have shown that naringenin inhibits cancer cell proliferation by interfering with important signaling pathways such as the PI3K/Akt pathway, which promotes cell survival and growth.

Inducing apoptosis (cell death): Cancer cells must avoid programmed cell death, or apoptosis. However, research suggests that naringenin has anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. It activates apoptotic pathways in cancer cells, causing them to destroy themselves without harming healthy cells.

Research suggests that activating NF-κB may prevent apoptosis by inhibiting IκB kinase (IKK) phosphorylation. This allows injured cells to survive, potentially leading to tumor growth.

Lowering of inflammation: Chronic inflammation is often a precursor to cancer. Naringenin suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, including NF-κB, that promote cancer. As a result, naringenin may be a promising candidate for preventing malignant diseases caused by inflammation.

The NF-κB pathway regulates oxidative and inflammatory stress, prevents apoptosis, and contributes to cancer development. UV-induced oxidative stress causes DNA damage, protein breakdown, and biomembrane disruption, which increases the risk of carcinogenesis. UV-induced skin malignancies such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are affected by NF-κB, which promotes inflammation and prevents injured cells from dying.

Antioxidative properties: Naringenin is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress, which can lead to DNA damage and ultimately cancer. By destroying these free radicals, naringenin promotes cellular health and reduces the risk of cancer formation.

Prevention of metastasis: Metastasis, or the spread of cancer to other areas of the body, poses a significant difficulty in cancer treatment. Naringenin has demonstrated the ability to prevent metastasis by suppressing enzymes and signaling molecules that allow cancer cells to enter new tissues

Research showing Naringenin has anti-cancer effects

Several studies published in prestigious journals such as PubMed, Springer, and Google Scholar indicate the importance of naringenin in cancer prevention and treatment:

Study	Journal/Source	Findings
Reduction of Tumor Size in Lung Cancer	Cancer Letters	Naringenin significantly reduced tumor size in mice with lung cancer by suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.
Inhibition of Breast Cancer Growth	Molecular Nutrition & Food Research	Naringenin inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells by modulating estrogen receptor activity, critical for hormone-driven cancers.
Liver Protection Against Cancerous Changes	PubMed	Naringenin was found to protect the liver from cancerous changes, likely due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Top 10 sources of Naringenin

To benefit from the anti-cancer effects of naringenin, include foods that contain naringenin in your diet. The following are some common and accessible sources of naringenin:

1. Grapefruit is one of the richest sources of naringenin.
2. Oranges are a common citrus fruit that contains a significant amount of naringenin.
3. Lemons: Another great citrus source.
4. Limes contain substantial levels of naringenin.
5. Tomatoes (peeled): an excellent source, especially when eaten with the peel.
6. Cherry: Sweet cherries are high in naringenin.
7. Tangerines contain this useful flavonoid.
8. Some herbs, such as oregano and parsley, contain naringenin.
9. Grapes contain moderate amounts of naringenin.
10. Peaches contain naringenin in lower proportions than citrus fruits.

Conclusion

Naringenin has anti-cancer effects, making it a promising molecule in the fight against many tumors. It can suppress tumor growth, induce apoptosis, reduce inflammation, limit metastasis, and protect against oxidative stress, suggesting its potential for cancer prevention and treatment. You can benefit from naringenin’s anti-cancer effects by eating foods high in it, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and cherries.