A Review on the Pharmacokinetic Properties of Naringin and Its Therapeutic Efficacies in Respiratory Diseases

Flavonoids are an important class of phytopharmaceuticals in plants. Naringin (naringenin- 7-O-rhamnoglucoside) is a flavanone glycoside isolated from folk herbal medicine Exocarpium Citri grandis (called Huajuhong in Chinese). Massive experimental works have been performed on naringin describing its phytochemical, pharmacokinetic, and bioactive properties. Naringin was found to possess multiple pharmacological activities in relieving inflammation, diabetes, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic syndrome. Recently, it has been approved as a potential antitussive and expectorant for clinical trials. However, the pharmacokinetic aspects of naringin and its therapeutic potentials in respiratory diseases have not been comprehensively reviewed. The present review provides highlights of naringin with respect to its absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and its therapeutic effects on cough, phlegm, and pulmonary inflammation. This review would be helpful for the interpretation of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of naringin in clinical trials.