Disorders, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, can threaten human health; therefore, disease prevention is essential. Naringenin, a phytochemical with low toxicity, has been used in various disease prevention studies. This study aimed to comprehensively review the effects of naringenin on human health. First, we introduced the general characteristics of naringenin and its pharmacokinetic features when absorbed in the body. Next, we summarized the inhibitory effects of naringenin on colorectal, gastric, lung, breast, ovarian, cervical, prostate, bladder, liver, pancreatic, and skin cancers in preclinical studies. Lastly, we investigated the inhibitory effects of naringenin on metabolic disorders, including diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cardiac toxicity, hypertrophy, steatosis, liver disease, and arteriosclerosis, as well as on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, naringenin may serve as a significant natural compound that benefits human health.
Keywords: Phytochemical; cancer; metabolic disorder; naringenin; neurodegenerative disease.