Naringin

Naringin is a flavanone-7-O-glycoside between the flavanone Naringenin and the disaccharide neohesperidose. The flavonoids naringenin and hesperetin, which form the aglycones of naringin and hesperidin, occur naturally in citrus fruits, especially in grapefruit, where naringin is responsible for the fruit's bitter taste. In commercial grapefruit juice production, the enzyme naringinase can be used to remove the bitterness created by naringin. In humans the naringin is metabolized to the flavanone naringenin.

Biological activity

Naringin inhibits some drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes, including CYP3A4 and CYP1A2, which may result in drug-drug interactions. Ingestion of naringin and related flavonoids can also affect the intestinal absorption of certain drugs, leading to either an increase or decrease in circulating drug levels. To avoid interference with drug absorption and metabolism, the consumption of citrus (especially grapefruit) and other juices with medications is contraindicated.