Flavonoids derived from plants offer a broad spectrum of therapeutic potential for addressing
metabolic syndrome, particularly
diabetes mellitus (DM), a prevalent
non-communicable disease.
Hyperglycemia in DM is a known risk factor for
cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which substantially impact global mortality rates. This review examines the potential effects of
naringin, a citrus
flavonoid, on both DM and its associated cardiovascular complications, including conditions like
diabetic cardiomyopathy. The safety profile of
naringin is summarized based on various pre-clinical studies. The data for this review was gathered from diverse electronic databases, including Medline, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and Emerald Insight. Multiple pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that
naringin exerts
hypoglycemic and cardioprotective effects by targeting various vascular mechanisms. Specifically, research indicates that
naringin down-regulates the
renin-
angiotensin and oxidative stress systems while concurrently upregulating β-cell and immune system functions. Clinical trial outcomes also support the therapeutic potential of
naringin in managing hyperglycemic states and associated cardiovascular issues. Moreover, toxicity studies have confirmed the safety of
naringin in animal models, suggesting its potential for safe administration in humans. In conclusion,
naringin emerges as a promising natural candidate for both
antidiabetic and cardioprotective purposes, offering potential improvements in health outcomes. While
naringin presents a new avenue for
therapies targeting DM and CVDs, additional controlled and long-term clinical trials are necessary to validate its efficacy and safety for human use.