What is the Difference Between Naringin and Naringenin?

Naringin and naringenin are both flavanone compounds found in citrus fruits, but they have different structures and potencies. The main differences between naringin and naringenin are:

1. Structure: Naringin is a flavanone-7-O-glycoside, consisting of the flavanone naringenin and a disaccharide. Naringenin, on the other hand, is a flavorless and colorless flavanone substance.
2. Potency: Naringin is less potent than naringenin due to the two sugar units (rhamnose and glucose) attached to its aglycone portion, called naringenin, at the 7-carbon position. This steric hindrance provided by the two sugar units reduces naringin's potency compared to naringenin.
3. Taste: Naringin has a bitter taste, whereas naringenin is tasteless and colorless.
4. Occurrence: Naringin mainly occurs in citrus fruits, including grapefruit, while naringenin is found in many fruits and herbs, such as grapefruit, bergamot, sour orange, tart cherries, and tomatoes.

Both naringin and naringenin have antioxidant and anticancer properties, but their bioavailability and metabolism differ. In humans, naringin is metabolized to naringenin by naringinase, an enzyme found in the liver. Naringenin has a higher oral bioavailability (around 15%) compared to naringin.

Comparative Table: Naringin vs Naringenin

Naringin and naringenin are both bioactive polyphenols found in citrus fruits, but they have some differences in their properties and biological activities. Here is a table comparing the two:

Both naringin and naringenin have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and anticancer properties, but their effects may vary due to their differences in potency and absorption in the human body.