Does Naringenin Extract Need to Improve its Bioavailability?

Like other bioactive compounds, Naringenin Powder's bioavailability can be affected by many factors, such as its chemical properties, formulation, and route of administration. Below are key factors that affect the bioavailability of naringenin:

 Solubility

a. Water Solubility: Naringenin is poorly water-soluble, which can limit its absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract-poor solubility results in low bioavailability.

b. Formulation Adjustments: To improve solubility, naringenin extract can be formulated with solubilizing agents like surfactants, nanoparticles, or microemulsions.

 Absorption

a. Gastrointestinal Absorption: Naringenin, a flavonoid, is absorbed in the small intestine. However, elements like pH, the presence of other food components, and intestinal permeability can limit how well it is absorbed.

b. Transporters: Specific transport proteins in the gut, like P-glycoprotein (P-gp), can influence the uptake of naringenin extract by affecting its transport across cell membranes.

 First-Pass Metabolism

a. Liver Metabolism: Naringenin extract undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, which can significantly reduce the amount of the compound that reaches systemic circulation. Enzymes such as cytochrome P450 may convert naringenin into metabolites, thus impacting its bioavailability.

b. Efflux Mechanisms: The presence of efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the liver and intestines can actively transport naringenin out of cells, reducing absorption.

 Chemical Stability

a. Oxidation: Naringenin extract is susceptible to oxidation, which may decrease its stability and bioavailability over time, especially in certain formulations or storage conditions.

b. Interaction with Other Ingredients: The presence of other compounds, such as antioxidants or co-solvents, can either enhance or degrade naringenin extract's stability and absorption.

 Food and Dietary Interactions

a. Food Intake: Food can either enhance or inhibit the absorption of naringenin extract. Fatty foods, for example, may increase the solubility of naringenin, enhancing its absorption, while acidic or high-fiber meals could potentially reduce its bioavailability by affecting gastrointestinal conditions.

b. Co-consumption with Other Bioactive Compounds: Other compounds in the diet, such as certain polyphenols or flavonoids, might influence naringenin extract's absorption and metabolism due to competitive interactions at absorption sites or enzymatic pathways.

 Particle Size/Delivery System

a. Nanoparticles and Micelles: Smaller particle sizes can enhance the dissolution rate and absorption of naringenin. Delivery systems like liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, or cyclodextrin complexes may increase their solubility and permeability across the gut wall.

b. Encapsulation: Encapsulation in a controlled-release system can protect naringenin from degradation and enhance its bioavailability by providing sustained release into the bloodstream.

 Route of Administration

a. Oral Administration: The most common route for naringenin extract intake is oral, but due to its low bioavailability, alternative routes (e.g., intravenous or sublingual) may be more effective in certain cases, though these are less common for natural compounds.

b. Other Routes (e.g., topical): In some cases, naringenin may be administered through topical formulations or transdermal delivery systems, where absorption mechanisms differ from the GI tract and might avoid first-pass metabolism.

 

 

Improving the bioavailability of naringenin extract involves various technologies aimed at enhancing its absorption, stability, and overall effectiveness in the body. Naringenin, a flavonoid primarily found in citrus fruits, has low bioavailability due to its poor solubility, rapid metabolism, and poor permeability across cell membranes. To overcome these challenges, several technologies are used:

★ Nanotechnology

a. How it Works: By lowering the particle size of naringenin extract to the nanoscale, nanotechnology increases its solubility and permeability. The compound's surface area grows at this size, increasing its dissolution rate in water-a crucial step for gastrointestinal absorption.

b. Improvement in Bioavailability: Nanoparticles of naringenin extract can penetrate cell membranes more effectively, facilitating better absorption in the gut. The compound's overall bioavailability is improved by the faster and more effective dissolution caused by the larger surface area.

★ Liposome Encapsulation

a. How it Works: Liposomes are spherical vesicles made of phospholipids that can encapsulate naringenin extract. These liposomes mimic cell membranes, which helps naringenin cross biological membranes more easily.

b. Improvement in Bioavailability: The liposomal formulation protects naringenin extract from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, increasing its stability. Liposomes enhance the transport of naringenin across the gut wall into the bloodstream and can even help it bypass certain metabolic pathways that would otherwise reduce its effectiveness.

★ Solid Dispersion Systems

a. How it Works: In this approach, naringenin is dispersed in a solid matrix made of water-soluble carriers like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). This improves the solubility of naringenin by reducing crystallinity and increasing its amorphous form.

b. Improvement in Bioavailability: Solid dispersions enhance the dissolution rate of naringenin in aqueous solutions, making it more readily absorbed in the intestines. One key factor in improving bioavailability is the enhanced solubility.

★ Co-crystallization with Other Compounds

a. How it Works: Naringenin extract can be co-crystallized with other bioactive compounds or molecules that improve its solubility and stability. Co-crystals are compounds formed from a combination of naringenin and another molecule (like amino acids, sugars, or other excipients).

b. Improvement in Bioavailability: The co-crystallization process can improve the physicochemical properties of naringenin extracts, such as enhanced solubility, stability, and dissolution rate, which leads to better absorption in the body.

★ Bioenhancers (Piperine, etc.)

a. How it Works: Bioenhancers like piperine (from black pepper) can be used to increase the bioavailability of naringenin extract by inhibiting certain enzymes in the liver and intestines that would normally metabolize and eliminate the compound quickly.

b. Improvement in Bioavailability: Piperine and other bioenhancers increase the absorption and retention of naringenin in the bloodstream by slowing down its metabolism, thereby increasing its effective concentration in the body.

 

Improving the bioavailability of naringenin extract can significantly enhance its effectiveness. The advantages of naringenin extract with improved bioavailability include:

 Enhanced Therapeutic Effects

a. Increased Absorption: Improved bioavailability means a higher concentration of naringenin reaches the bloodstream and target tissues, allowing for more effective therapeutic effects.

b. Better Targeting: When more naringenin is absorbed, it can better exert its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties on specific tissues or organs.

 Faster Onset of Action

a. With enhanced bioavailability, naringenin extract is more rapidly absorbed and metabolized, potentially leading to a quicker onset of its effects. When a rapid response is required in an emergency, this can be especially helpful.

 Improved Bioactivity

a. Increased Half-life: The extended duration of naringenin in the bloodstream due to improved bioavailability means it may stay active longer, thereby exerting its effects over a longer period.

b. Higher Plasma Concentrations: Enhanced absorption allows naringenin to achieve higher plasma concentrations, which may increase its potential benefits for conditions like cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and inflammation.

 Lower Dosage Requirement

a. Improved bioavailability means that smaller amounts of naringenin extract may be needed to achieve the same therapeutic effects as larger doses of poorly bioavailable naringenin. This can reduce side effects or risks associated with high dosages.

 Improved Solubility

a. Naringenin, like many flavonoids, has poor solubility in water, which can limit its absorption. Techniques like nanotechnology, liposome encapsulation, or the use of certain excipients can increase the solubility of naringenin, facilitating its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

 Synergistic Effects with Other Nutrients

a. Improved bioavailability can also enable naringenin to better interact with other compounds (e.g., vitamins, minerals, or other polyphenols), amplifying its overall health benefits when taken as part of a supplementation regimen.

 

 

We can offer OEM services for nutraceutical companies looking to develop their products infused with Naringenin Powder. With our expertise in both functional ingredients and solutions, we can help bring your vision to life with a product that is health-promoting. Welcome to contact us at shaw@inhealthnature.com if you need a reliable OEM partner.