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4.2. Antidiabetic activity

Flavonoids have been found to elicit their health benefits in prevention of metabolic
disorders such as caused by alteration in lipid metabolism and blood glucose levels (Priscilla

et al., 2015). Through, in vitro studies, Borradaile et al. (2003) showed that NG possesses an
insulin-like effect to decrease apoliprotein B secretion in hepatocytes. Studies have

demonstrated decreased blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (Choi et
al., 1991) and improved insulin sensitivity in fructose-fed insulin resistant rats (Kannappan

and Anuradha, 2010). NG exhibits structural similarities with polyphenol resveratrol which

has been reported to possess antidiabetic properties both in vitro and in vivo (Lagouge et al.,
2006).

4.3. Cardioprotective, antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory activity

Consumption of citrus plants has been associated with reduction in cardiovascular
mortality (Kao et al., 1998). Cardiac impairment involves inflammation, oxidative stress

along with necrosis and apoptosis (Osipov et al., 2009). Cardiovascular diseases are known to
be associated with chronic inflammation, obesity and related disorders especially

hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia (Ndisang et al., 2014). The beneficial role of NG on
cardiovascular system and regulating hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia has been

demonstrated by Priscilla et al. (2014). NG has also been proved to improve obesity-related

diseases such as atherosclerosis in disease-model animals (Assini et al., 2013). Chtourou et
al. (2015) observed that NG exerts anti-inflammatory effects and inhibits fibrosis induced by

high cholesterol diet in the rat’s hepatic tissue.
4.4. Expectorant activity

Lin et al. (2008) have shown that NG have the activity of expectorant and indicated
the possible mechanism of NG may be attributed to its ability to enhance airway volume

secretion, promoting tracheal cilia movement and reduce viscosity of mucus, thus enhancing

the mucociliary clearance and preventing hyperplasia of airway goblet cells. Henceforth,
suggested the possible use of NG for the treatment of respiratory mucin hypersecretion

diseases in the future. Besides, it has been reported that NG could attenuate eosinophilic

airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced murine model. The mechanism involved has been
proposed to be the inhibition of NF-κB and decreased expression of its target genes (Shi et

al., 2009).
4.5. Hepato and nephroprotective activity

NG has been shown to possess protective effect against organ damage such as liver
and kidney damage. It has been demonstrated that one of the major factors in hepatic damage

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