Antioxidative, Metabolic and Vascular Medicinal Potentials of Natural Products in the Non-Edible Wastes of Fruits Belonging to the Citrus and Prunus Genera: A Review

Naringin promotes osteoblast differentiation and ameliorates osteoporosis in ovariectomized mice

This study aimed to investigate the anti-osteoporotic mechanisms of naringin in osteoblasts and mice. In vitro, MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with naringin to detect cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and calcified nodule formation. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of osteogenic markers (OPN, COL1A1, RUNX2) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins (Wnt3a, β-catenin). In vivo, ovariectomized (OVX) mice were treated with naringin for 3 months to observe bone microstructure, femoral histomorphology, and marker expression. Results showed that 0.1, 0.5, and 1 µmol/L naringin significantly promoted cell proliferation, enhanced ALP activity, and increased calcified nodule formation. Naringin also improved bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone number in OVX mice. It elevated serum levels of bone formation markers (P1NP, OCN) while reducing the bone resorption marker CTX-1. Both in vitro and in vivo, naringin upregulated OPN, COL1A1, RUNX2, Wnt3a, and β-catenin expression, and induced β-catenin nuclear translocation. Notably, naringin antagonized the inhibitory effects of XAV939 (a Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor) on OPN, COL1A1, and RUNX2 protein expression. These findings demonstrate that naringin enhances bone density in OVX mice and promotes osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Prunin: An Emerging Anticancer Flavonoid

Despite the substantial advances in cancer therapies, developing safe and effective treatment methodologies is critical. Natural (plant-derived compounds), such as flavonoids, might be crucial in developing a safe treatment methodology without toxicity toward healthy tissues. Prunin is a flavonoid with the potential to be used in biomedical applications. Prunin has yet to undergo thorough scientific research, and its precise molecular mechanisms of action remain largely unexplored. This review summarizes the therapeutic potential of prunin for the first time, focusing on its underlying mechanisms as an anticancer compound. Prunin has gained significant attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This review aims to unlock how prunin functions at the molecular level to exert its anticancer effects, primarily modulating key cellular pathways. Furthermore, we have discussed the prunin's potential as an adjunctive therapy with conventional treatments, highlighting its ability to strengthen treatment responses while decreasing drug resistance. Moreover, the discussion probes into innovative delivery methods, particularly nanoformulations, that might address prunin's bioavailability, solubility, and stability limitations and optimize its therapeutic application. By providing a comprehensive analysis of prunin's properties, this review aims to stimulate further exploration of using prunin as an anticancer agent, thereby progressing the development of targeted, selective, safe, and effective therapeutic methods.

Exploring the Pharmacokinetics and Gut Microbiota Modulation of Hesperidin and Nobiletin from Mandarin Orange Peel in Experimental Dogs: A Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: Mandarin orange peel (MOP) is recognized for its traditional medicinal properties due to its high flavonoid content. This study aimed to analyze MOP harvested in Japan for specific bioactive compounds and to explore its health applications in dogs, including effects on gut microbiota and cognitive symptoms. Methods: Flavonoid content (particularly hesperidin and nobiletin) of MOP was measured. High-flavonoid MOP was then incorporated into gelatin cubes. In the time-course blood concentration study, experimental beagle dogs received a single oral dose (4 g). For intestinal microbiota analysis and blood biochemical tests, beagle dogs were administered 1 g twice daily. For the Demonstration Test, older dogs (a 14-year-old female Shiba Inu, a 14-year-old female Miniature Dachshund, and a 19-year-old male Miniature Dachshund) were administered 1 g twice daily. Analysis included microbiota profiling via 16S rDNA sequencing and observational assessment of cognitive indicators in a pilot study involving senior dogs with Alzheimer's disease. Results: The MOP powder contained 9.3% hesperidin in early-ripening varieties (October harvest) and 6.9% in ripe varieties (December harvest). Nobiletin content was 41 mg/100 g (0.041%) and 35 mg/100 g (0.035%) for the early and late harvests, respectively. Administration of MOP-enriched gelatin cubes reduced Fusobacteriaceae and increased Eggerthellaceae. Cognitive symptoms like howling and counterclockwise turning showed improvement in senior dogs (n = 3). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary support for the potential health benefits of MOP in canine dietary applications, particularly for gut health and cognitive function. Improvement in cognitive symptoms may be due to the anxiolytic effects of mandarin peel.