Citrus Bioflavonoids (Hesperidin)

Citrus Bioflavonoids Supplements

Citrus bioflavonoid supplements may contain diosmin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, quercetin, rutin, sinensetin and other flavonoids.

Hesperidin

Hesperidin is a nonessential nutrient that belongs to flavonones, a class of flavonoids.

Foods High in Hesperidin

FRUITS: citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime) and citrus juices containing citrus pulp.

NOTE: Flavonoids in grapefruit juice may alter the effectiveness of several drugs, so patients taking various medications should avoid grapefruit juice.

Hesperidin Supplements

It may be extracted from the peels and pulp of citrus fruits, like sweet oranges and tangelos.

Hesperidin Health Benefits

Hesperidin supplements are POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE in:

• Poor circulation in the legs (chronic venous insufficiency) ^[1]
• Hemorrhoids (when used in combination with diosmin) ^[2] Diosmin belongs to flavones, a class of flavonoids.
• Leg ulcers from poor circulation or venous stasis ulcers (when used in combination with diosmin) ^[2]

There is INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE ^[1] about the effectiveness of hesperidin supplements in the prevention or treatment of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, swelling of the arms (lymphedema) after breast cancer treatment or varicose veins.

Hesperidin Safety: Side Effects, Toxicity

Hesperidin is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people including pregnant and breastfeeding women when taken by mouth in recommended doses for up to 6 months ^[1].

Side effects may include headache, stomach pain and upset and diarrhea ^[1].

Hesperidin MC for Chronic Venous  Insuficiency

At least two studies showed that oral hesperidin methyl chalcone (Hesperidin MC) in combination with Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) root extract (high in  hesperidin) and vitamin C may reduce symptoms in chronic venous insufficiency ^[4,5].

Hesperidin-Complex

Hesperidin-complex supplements contain hesperidin, hesperidin MC (hesperidin methyl chalcone) and vitamin C. According to one review of literature, hesperidin complex reduced hot flashes in menopausal women ^[6].

Neohesperidin DC as a Sweetener

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (Neohesperidin DC or NHDC) is a semi-synthetic noncaloric sweetener and bitterness blocker produced by adding hydrogen (hydrogenation) to neohesperidin (which is extracted from the inedible parts of bitter citruses) ^[8].

NHDC is up to 1,000 times as sweet as sucrose ^[8]. It is not digested in the small intestine, but is fermented by colonic bacteria. In the European Union, neohesperidine DC is labeled as E-number E959. It is not approved ass a sweetener in the U.S ^[8].