Background: Osteoporosis is caused by the deterioration of bone density and microstructure, resulting in increased fracture risk. It transpires due to an imbalanced skeletal remodelling process favouring bone resorption. Various natural compounds can positively influence the skeletal remodelling process, of which naringenin is a candidate. Naringenin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound found in citrus fruits and grapefruit. This systematic review aims to present an overview of the available evidence on the skeletal protective effects of naringenin.
Method: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases in August 2022. Original research articles using cells, animals, or humans to investigate the bone protective effects of naringenin were included.
Results: Sixteen eligible articles were included in this review. The existing evidence suggested that naringenin enhanced osteoblastogenesis and bone formation through BMP-2/p38MAPK/Runx2/Osx, SDF-1/CXCR4, and PI3K/Akt/c-Fos/c-Jun/AP-1 signalling pathways. Naringenin also inhibited osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by inhibiting inflammation and the RANKL pathway.
Conclusions: Naringenin enhances bone formation while suppressing bone resorption, thus achieving its skeletal protective effects. It could be incorporated into the diet through fruit intake or supplements to prevent bone loss.
Keywords: naringenin; osteoblasts; osteoclasts; osteocytes; osteoporosis.