Epigenetic regulation by naringenin and naringin: A literature review focused on the mechanisms underlying its pharmacological effects

Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression or phenotypic changes that occur without changing the gene sequence. The main methods of epigenetics include non-coding RNA, histone modification, and DNA modification, which play an essential role in gene expression regulation and even the occurrence of diverse diseases. Naringenin, the aglycone form of naringin, is a natural flavonoid compound mainly found in fruits or plant derivatives such as citrus, tomatoes, and cherries. Naringenin and naringin exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities and pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, cardiovascular disease improving, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities, all of which are advantageous for human health. Recent studies have uncovered that naringenin and naringin influence gene expression by modulating epigenetic pathways, including microRNA (miRNA) regulation. This mechanism plays a crucial role in the therapeutic potential for various diseases. This paper reviews the epigenetic researches on the physiological activities of naringenin and naringin. It highlights how these compounds can exert diverse effects through different signaling pathways, thereby ameliorating associated diseases. These findings provide valuable insights for the future applications of naringenin and naringin.