Treatment With Naringenin Elevates the Activity of Transcription Factor Nrf2 to Protect Pancreatic β-Cells From Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes and .

Chronic hyperglycemia and unusually high oxidative stress are the key contributors for diabetes in humans. Since nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) controls the expression of antioxidant- and detoxification genes, it is hypothesized that targeted activation of Nrf2 using phytochemicals is likely to protect pancreatic β-cells, from oxidative damage, thereby mitigates the complications of diabetes. Naringenin is one such activator of Nrf2.

Antioxidant Potential of Naringenin Helps to Protect Liver Tissue from Streptozotocin-Induced Damage.

Background: Naringenin is a bioactive flavonoid found in grapes and citrus fruits including tangelo, blood orange, lemons, and tangerines. The aims of this study were to investigate the ability of naringenin to scavenge free radicals and determine its ability to protect animals from streptozotocin (STZ) -induced liver damage.

Methods: The free radical-scavenging activity of naringenin was evaluated by in vitro cell-free assay systems.