Page 582 - e-Book

Protective Efficacy Of Dietary Naringenin Against Cadmium Induced

Toxicity

1
Sakshi Verma and Smriti Batoye 2*
1 Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Zoology Department, Jalandhar, India
2 Maharaja Agrasen University, Department of Zoology, Baddi, India

*Email of corresponding author: smriti.batoye07@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Cadmium (Cd) exposure has been associated with incidence of various adverse effects on
different organs in humans and animals. Cd primarily affect liver, kidney and intestine while

as its prolonged exposure has proven to cause cancer in different organs. Although several
antioxidants have been evaluated for their potential to alleviate Cd induced tissue/organ

injuries but these are burdened with various limitations. In this context, the use of flavonoids

such as naringenin (NG) in the protection against Cd induced toxic effects in animals and
human beings have recently drawn scientific attention. This review summarises the properties

of NG and the recent findings of protective efficacy of NG against Cd induced toxicity.
KEYWORDS: flavonoids, heavy metal, naringenin, cadmium, toxicity, oxidative stress

1. INTRODUCTION

Natural and anthropogenic sources have continuously increased the loads of heavy
metals in the environment due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Heavy metal

pollution is persistent and irreversible, which threatens the health and well-being of animals

and humans by biomagnification (Li et al., 2014). Mercury (Hg), arsenic (Ar), lead (Pb) and
cadmium (Cd) are on the top list of hazardous materials (ATSDR, 1999). These metals

bypass the control mechanisms such as homeostasis, transport, compartmentalization of
organisms, and thus cause lethal effects (Jan et al., 2015). Since heavy metals are not

biodegradable, they tend to accumulate in living organisms, and thereby disrupt the metabolic
functions of vital organs (Flora et al., 2008).

2+
Cd is a non-essential, toxic heavy metal most commonly occurs in its Cd form. It is
usually present in soils, water, and air. It has been found to cause toxicity even at very low
concentrations due to its low excretion rate (Wu et al., 2016). Cd is broadly used in batteries,

electronic and metal-finishing industries, electroplating industries, pigments, ceramics,
insecticides, petroleum products, textiles, metallurgical industries, and synthetic chemicals

(Vardhan et al., 2019). It has long biological half-life (more than 30 years) and prolonged

572