Hesperidin

Did you know that when you enjoy an orange, you provide your body with much more than the famous vitamin C? Hesperidin, which we will tell you about in detail here, is one of the main compounds in citrus fruits and contains little-known virtues...

Overview of Hesperidin

Hesperidin is actually a flavonoid, and more specifically a citroflavonoid, known to be one of the main components and active agents present in citrus species of the Rutaceae family.

High levels of hesperidin are found in citrus fruits in general, but particularly in oranges, lemons and limes, clementines, grapefruit , to name a few.

It is in the skin and the membranous parts of the fruit that the concentration of hesperidin is the highest... enough to start drinking your orange juice WITH the pulp!

Medicinal properties of hesperidin

Hesperidin is a flavonoid, i.e. an agent with strong antioxidant power. In general, antioxidants have the ability to protect the body from pollutants and toxic elements (the famous free radicals), and to promote the proper functioning of cells in general. Antioxidants help prevent cancer, cellular and skin aging, protect the heart, etc.

But let's clarify the two main properties of hesperidin:

1/ Vasculoprotective virtues

Hesperidin strengthens the permeability of capillaries , i.e. blood vessels, and increases their resistance. Powerful antioxidants as we have already mentioned, these natural flavonoids capture free radicals that cause the general degradation of cells, including elastin, which is found in the membrane of blood vessels.

When this elastin is weakened, the risks of vascular lesions, hematomas, varicose veins, etc. are higher. This vasculoprotective action of hesperidin is of course a major asset for the proper functioning of the heart.

2/ Venotonic properties

Hesperidin has an inhibitory action on COMT (Catecho-O-Methyl Transferase), which are the cause of blood circulation problems, heavy legs or even edema. The degradation of catecholamines by COMT enzymes is reduced, which has the effect of increasing the level of catecholamines in the body.

Among these, we note adrenaline and dopamine, which participate in the vasoconstriction of the vessels and in a good venous return. Thus, edema and associated pain decrease, thanks in particular to the local anti-inflammatory action of hesperidin, and venous tone is clearly improved.

The combination of the vasculoprotective and venotonic effects of hesperidin gives it a particularly effective anti-hemorrhoidal action.

But this substance is also prescribed to combat hot flashes or premenstrual syndrome.

Scientific research on the effects of hesperidin

Although to date no studies have been conducted on humans regarding the effects of hesperidin on the heart, scientific research has shown, on animals, that this natural flavonoid is particularly effective in prevention as well as treatment against cardiovascular risk markers (1), (2).

Their antioxidant action has recently been studied (3) and shows that hesperidin protects cells against oxidative stress which causes certain cancers, such as liver cancer for example.

The positive action of hesperidin on circulation has been studied and has shown that thanks to a supplementation dosed at 500 mg per day, blood circulation is improved by no less than 24.5% compared to a decrease of 6% in people who received the placebo (4); (5).

Recommended Use and Dosage for Hesperidin

In the vast majority of cases, treatment with hesperidin is recommended at a dose of 500 mg per day, to be taken with meals.

Used for veinotonic purposes, hesperidin can be taken orally but also locally , in cream form, generally in the form of a 3-month treatment.

Contraindications and side effects

People who are sensitive or allergic to citrus fruits or have a history of medical use of ascorbic acid should stay away from hesperidin, which can cause allergic reactions up to and including anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.

Hesperidin may also cause milder allergic reactions with itching, hives, or facial swelling. People with a known fructose allergy should also avoid using hesperidin.

Hesperidin, for good circulation

Scientific studies confirm its properties, hesperidin, used with caution and with the advice of a health professional, promotes optimal blood circulation.

“Daily well-being” capsule

Whether it is to accompany your hesperidin treatment or to prevent blood circulation problems, particularly in your legs, a few simple actions can greatly improve your daily well-being!

• Practice regular physical activity, as simple as walking for example. 20 minutes minimum to keep yourself going and get the blood circulating!
• Avoid excess alcohol, coffee, tobacco, etc. which, in too high a dose, overload the body with toxins.
• Maintain a healthy weight so as not to overload your body and make yourself heavier.
• Do not expose your legs to heat for a prolonged period of time, as this promotes venous problems.
• Avoid high heels in everyday life
• Wear loose clothing
• Massage your legs regularly to promote venous return.

1. Abdel-Raheem IT, Abdel-Ghany AA. Hesperidin alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst. (2009)
2. Selvaraj P, Pugalendi KV. Efficacy of hesperidin on plasma, heart and liver tissue lipids in rats subjected to isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity. Exp Toxicol Pathol. (2012)
3. Bentli R, et al. Oral administration of hesperidin, a citrus flavonone, in rats counteracts the oxidative stress, the inflammatory cytokine production, and the hepatotoxicity induced by the ingestion of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) . Eur Cytokine Netw. (2013)
4. Rizza S, et al. Citrus polyphenol hesperidin stimulates production of nitric oxide in endothelial cells while improving endothelial function and reducing inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome . J Clin Endocrinol Metab. (2011)
5. Morand C, et al. Hesperidin contributes to the vascular protective effects of orange juice: a randomized crossover study in healthy volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr. (2011)