Hesperidin Flavonoid Complex
Also known as: Hesperidin, Citrus bioflavonoid, Hesperetin-7-rutinoside, 3′,5,7-trihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavanone-7-rhamnoglucoside
Overview
Hesperidin is a flavanone glycoside found predominantly in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. As a dietary supplement, it is investigated for its potential cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Hesperidin is often used as part of flavonoid complexes to enhance absorption due to its poor water solubility and limited bioavailability. Research on hesperidin is moderately advanced, with numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews available. While some effects are supported by meta-analyses, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm other potential benefits. It is considered a bioflavonoid subclass and is derived primarily from citrus fruits.
Benefits
Hesperidin has shown potential benefits in several areas. Meta-analyses suggest it may improve vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels, indicating potential benefits for endothelial function, though effects on lipid profiles and blood pressure are inconclusive. Hesperidin significantly improved VCAM-1, a marker of vascular inflammation, but other inflammatory markers showed inconsistent changes across studies. Systematic reviews indicate no significant effect of hesperidin supplementation on glycemic control in humans. Preclinical and some clinical evidence suggest hesperidin modulates cell signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, but human clinical data remain limited and preliminary. Antioxidant activity and potential modulation of chronic disease biomarkers have been observed, particularly when consumed as part of 100% orange juice containing hesperidin.
How it works
Hesperidin modulates inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-κB and MAPK, reducing oxidative stress and influencing endothelial function markers like VCAM-1. It primarily affects the cardiovascular and immune systems by reducing vascular inflammation and oxidative damage. Its known molecular targets include VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, interleukins, and cancer-related signaling molecules. Hesperidin is poorly absorbed in its native form, but bioavailability improves when converted to hesperetin (aglycone form) by gut microbiota or through formulation strategies.
Side effects
Hesperidin is generally regarded as safe, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in clinical trials. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant rare side effects have been reported. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when taken with anticoagulants due to flavonoid effects on platelet function. There are no established contraindications, but caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited data. The effects and safety in children and severely ill patients are not well studied.
Dosage
Clinical trials often use doses ranging from 500 mg to 1000 mg of hesperidin daily. An optimal dosage range appears to be 500–800 mg/day, as used in RCTs showing some biomarker improvements. The maximum safe dose is not firmly established, but doses up to 1000 mg/day have been well-tolerated in trials. It is typically administered once or twice daily with meals to improve absorption. Bioavailability is enhanced in the aglycone form (hesperetin) or when combined with other citrus flavonoids. Gut microbiota plays a key role in converting hesperidin to bioavailable forms. Vitamin C and other antioxidants may synergize, but are not required.
FAQs
Does hesperidin improve cholesterol?
Current meta-analyses show no significant lipid profile improvement with hesperidin supplementation.
Is hesperidin effective for blood sugar control?
No significant effect on glycemic markers has been observed in controlled trials.
How long before effects appear?
Biomarker changes have been observed within 4–12 weeks of hesperidin supplementation.
Is it safe long-term?
Short to medium-term use appears safe, but long-term data are limited regarding hesperidin supplementation.
Can it replace medications?
No; hesperidin is an adjunct and not a substitute for prescribed therapies.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30632207/ – This meta-analysis examined the effects of hesperidin on cardiovascular risk factors. The study found that hesperidin significantly improved VCAM-1 levels but had no consistent effect on other inflammatory markers or lipid profiles, suggesting potential benefits for endothelial function but requiring further research.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2021.1927976 – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of hesperidin on glycemic control. The study concluded that hesperidin supplementation had no significant effect on blood glucose or HbA1c levels, indicating it is not effective for improving glycemic control in humans.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/13/5152 – This review article discusses the potential mechanisms of hesperidin in cancer therapy. It highlights that hesperidin modulates multiple cancer-related signaling pathways, suggesting it could be a potential adjunct therapy, but emphasizes that clinical efficacy has not yet been established due to a lack of large-scale RCTs in cancer patients.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/13/2647 – This study investigates the effects of hesperidin on various health outcomes. The research suggests that hesperidin may have beneficial effects on vascular health and inflammation, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30991044/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the impact of hesperidin on inflammatory markers and lipid profiles. The study found that hesperidin significantly improved VCAM-1 levels but had no consistent effect on other inflammatory markers or lipid profiles, indicating a potential benefit for vascular inflammation but limited effects on other cardiovascular risk factors.
