Metabolic Syndrome – is Naringenin the key?

grapefruit_1444223c1Naringenin is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, particularly in grapefruit. It inhibits at least one enzyme of the Cytochrome P450 system, thereby diminishing the body’s ability to break down drugs and toxins. It is for this reason that some fat burners include naringenin or other CYP 450 inhibitors in order to potentiate the stim-effect of the product. A recent study into the flavonoid investigated its effects on metabolic syndrome with some very favorable results. It was found that the majority of metabolic disturbances were corrected; cholesterol was lowered, fatty acid oxidation increased, glucose metabolism returned to normal and insulin resistance improved. This was performed in the rat model so research is still in the early stage, but what has really excited the scientists is that these effects have come about independently of calorie intake. This suggests that there is some sort of genetic reprogramming occurring. The team are planning further research.

Source: Mulvihill EE, Allister EM, Sutherland BG, Telford DE, Sawyez CG, Edwards JY, Markle JM, Hegele RA, Huff MW. Naringenin prevents dyslipidemia, apoB overproduction and hyperinsulinemia in LDL-receptor null mice with diet-induced insulin resistance. Diabetes. 2009 Jul 10.

About the Author

Matt Cahill has worked extensively in the nutritional supplement field, and is the former CEO of Designer Supplements. During his time in the field has researched and developed prohormones, testosterone boosters, and other related compounds, both for his own company and others.