Naringenin effect on heart, liver, insulin & immune system
Naringenin – the flavonoid from citrus peels: Learn all about its effects on the heart, liver, insulin, inflammation & immune system – scientifically proven & naturally applicable.
- What is naringenin?
- Naringenin effect on the body
- Application, dosage & bioavailability
- Side effects & precautions
- Buy Naringenin: What you should pay attention to
- FAQ about Naringenin
1. What is naringenin?
Naringenin is a naturally occurring flavonoid from the flavanone group.
It is found mainly in citrus fruits such as grapefruits, bitter oranges and lemons – in particularly high concentrations in the peel .
Naringenin is considered one of the most effective plant compounds for supporting liver, cardiovascular system, immune function and metabolic health .
In naturopathy and research it is valued for the following properties:
- Antioxidant – protects cells from free radicals
- anti-inflammatory – modulates immune reactions
- liver and vascular protective – supports detoxification and blood circulation
- promotes insulin sensitivity – regulates blood sugar
1.1 Natural sources & foods
The best sources of naringenin are citrus peels and natural fruit components , especially:
- Bitter orange peel
- Grapefruit peel – highest concentration
- Lemon peel and lime peel
- Orange peel tea from permaculture
Fruit juice alone contains significantly less of the valuable plant substance – because this plant substance, like hesperidin , is mainly stored in the white layers of the peel (mesocarp) .
1.2 Mechanism of action in the body
In the body, naringenin exerts its effects through several biological mechanisms:
- Activation of antioxidant enzyme systems (e.g. superoxide dismutase)
- Reduction of inflammatory signaling substances (e.g. TNF-α, IL-6)
- Protection of mitochondria and stabilization of cell membranes
- Improving insulin sensitivity by influencing glucose metabolism
This broad effect makes it a promising substance in the fields of prevention, functional nutrition and natural medicine.
2. Naringenin effect on the body
The health effects of the flavonoid have been studied in numerous studies.
As a multifunctional flavonoid, it has effects on the cardiovascular system, fat and sugar metabolism, liver health and the immune system.
Its mode of action is based on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cell-protective mechanisms.
2.1 Heart & Vessels: Protection through Flavonoids
Naringenin improves vascular elasticity , protects endothelial cells (the inner lining of blood vessels), and has a cholesterol-lowering effect . It inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol —a key trigger for arteriosclerosis—and can thus reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In combination with other flavonoids such as hesperidin or rutin, the vascular protective effect is significantly increased.
2.2 Liver function & fatty liver prevention
Naringenin is considered one of the most effective hepatoprotective flavonoids . It protects liver cells from fatty deposits , oxidative stress , and inflammatory processes .
Studies show improved liver function when taking naringenin – especially in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) .
In addition, it regulates enzymes such as ALT and AST and supports detoxification via phase II liver enzymes.
2.3 Naringenin Effect on Insulin, Blood Sugar & Metabolic Syndrome
Naringenin improves insulin sensitivity – the ability of the body’s cells to respond to insulin. It lowers the
Especially in combination with polyphenols such as quercetin or catechins (e.g. from matcha), naringenin shows synergistic effects in the fight against metabolic syndrome .
2.4 Immune system & anti-inflammatory
As a powerful antioxidant , it reduces the formation of free radicals and lowers inflammatory markers such as TNF-α , IL-6 , and CRP . It stabilizes immune cells and protects their mitochondria from oxidative stress.
Studies show that naringenin also plays a role in preventive immune strengthening – for example, in cases of recurring infections, autoimmune reactions, or chronic inflammatory conditions.
It is therefore one of the most promising natural substances for holistic immune concepts.
3. Application, dosage & bioavailability
The health benefits of naringenin are not only determined by its biochemical activity, but also by how, when, and in what form it is absorbed. Bioavailability and synergies with other plant substances play a crucial role.
3.1 Food vs. supplements
Naringenin is naturally supplied via:
- Citrus peels (especially bitter orange, grapefruit, lemon)
- Orange peel tea from permaculture
- Fruit pieces, jams or fermented citrus products
The flavonoid is hardly present in the juice or pulp , however, as it is mainly stored in the peel .
For targeted health benefits (e.g., liver or vascular problems), high-dose supplements can also be beneficial. In these cases, attention should be paid to standardized extracts .
3.2 Recommended quantities & combination partners
Dosages ranging from 100 mg to 600 mg daily have been used in studies, depending on the objective. For dietary supplements , 200–500 mg/day is considered common and well-tolerated.
Synergetic combinations:
- Hesperidin – to support vascular and nerve functions ( orange tea )
- Quercetin – for anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant effects ( lemongrass tea )
- Catechins – e.g. from green tea or matcha
- Vitamin C – improves absorption & stabilizes flavonoids ( hibiscus tea )
Intake tip: Since naringenin is easily fat-soluble, its bioavailability can be significantly increased by a fatty meal .
4. Side effects & precautions
Naringenin is considered to be very well tolerated at typical doses administered via food. However, as with many bioactive plant substances, the side effect profile depends on the dose, duration of use , and individual sensitivity .
When taking high-dose dietary supplements (> 500 mg/day), the following side effects may occur in rare cases:
- mild digestive problems (especially flatulence, diarrhea)
- Headache or fatigue
- Hypersensitivity reactions in citrus allergy
Drug interactions
Naringenin can inhibit certain liver enzymes – similar to grapefruit – and thereby influence the effect of medications.
Caution is advised when taking:
- Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)
- Blood pressure medications (e.g. calcium channel blockers)
- Immunosuppressants (e.g. ciclosporin)
- Antidepressants or antiepileptics
Recommendation: If you regularly take prescription medication, you should consult your doctor before taking the flavonoid (especially as a supplement).
However, no negative effects are to be expected as part of a natural diet based on orange peels .
5. Buy Naringenin – what you should pay attention to
If you want to use this valuable plant substance specifically as a dietary supplement , you should pay attention to quality, purity, and origin when purchasing. Many products contain blends or inferior extracts with low bioavailability.
Purchase checklist:
- Standardized content: Make sure the naringenin content is clearly stated (e.g., 98% pure or 200 mg per capsule)
- Free from additives: no artificial colors, flavors or magnesium stearate
- GMP/ISO-certified manufacturing: guaranteed pharmaceutical quality
- Bioavailability optimized: e.g. in combination with citrus bioflavonoids, phospholipids or liposomal encapsulation
Natural alternative: Those who prefer whole plant components can also obtain naringenin through permaculture orange peel tea . In this form, naringenin is bound in a nature-identical way , synergistically with other flavonoids such as hesperidin, and is therefore particularly bioactive.
This shape is ideal for
6. FAQ about Naringenin
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about naringenin , its effects, and uses. You can also find more information about related flavonoids in our article on hesperidin .
❓ What is naringenin and where does it occur?
Naringenin is a flavonoid found in citrus peels—particularly grapefruit, bitter orange, and lemon. Orange peel tea contains particularly high levels of it.
❓ Can naringenin help with weight loss?
Indirectly, yes. Naringenin supports lipid metabolism, lowers blood sugar, and improves insulin sensitivity—particularly effective in combination with quercetin or catechins.
❓ Is naringenin heat stable?
Yes, naringenin is preserved when brewing orange peel tea – ideally, brewing for 5–10 minutes is recommended. However, extreme heat or long boiling times should be avoided.
❓ Can you overdose on naringenin?
Hardly possible through food. For high-dose supplements above 600 mg/day, medical advice should be sought, especially if you are taking medication.
❓ Which is better: hesperidin or naringenin?
Both work differently but complement each other excellently. Hesperidin has a stronger effect on blood vessels and the brain, while naringenin affects the liver, insulin, and inflammation. The best approach is to combine both—for example, with orange peel tea.
❓ Does naringenin work like insulin?
Naringenin doesn't work like insulin itself, but can enhance insulin action in the body . It improves cellular insulin sensitivity , lowers blood sugar levels, and reduces inflammation, which is common in insulin resistance. Ideal for prediabetes or metabolic syndrome .
