Hesperidin is a flavonoid, a type of plant compound that has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits.
It is found primarily in citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and limes.
Hesperidin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, protecting cells from two key contributors to the onset of age-related and chronic diseases: inflammation and oxidative stress.
Key Points
- Improved markers of heart health in 13 studies
- Reduced blood pressure in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Safeguarded DNA and cellular components from free radicals in a 6-week clinical trial
- Protected against damage caused by inflammation
- Amplified the beneficial effects of lifestyle modifications in two studies
- Improved blood vessel function in adults
Improved Markers of Heart Health
A meta-analysis of 13 studies reported that Hesperidin supplementation significantly improved levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood.
“The current meta-analysis found that hesperidin supplementation significantly reduces serum TG, TC, and LDL levels in adults.
The researchers also found that Hesperedin reduced systolic blood pressure and levels of TNF-α, an important inflammatory molecule.
Lowered Blood Pressure
In a clinical trial, adults with type 2 diabetes showed significant improvements in blood pressure, inflammation, and total antioxidant capacity (a measure indicating the ability to neutralize harmful free radicals) after supplementing with Hesperidin for 6 weeks.
Protected Cells from Harmful Free Radicals
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to age-related and chronic diseases.
In a 6-week clinical trial, Hesperidin protected DNA and important cellular fats from free radical damage in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Reduced Inflammatory Damage in 18 Studies
An evaluation of 18 clinical trials in a meta-analysis revealed Hesperidin reduced several markers of inflammation and the levels of MDA, a marker of damage to fat important for cell function and structure.
“Hesperidin supplementation had significant lowering effect on not only CRP, IL-6, and IL-4 levels but also MDA level.”
Enhanced the Health Benefits of Diet and Exercis
A 12-week clinical trial showed Hesperidin supplementation amplified the health benefits of a diet and exercise intervention in patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (fat-build up in the liver).
“In conclusion, our results indicate that hesperidin supplementation accompanied with lifestyle modification is superior to lifestyle modification alone in management of NAFLD at least partially through inhibiting NF-κB activation and improving lipid profile.”
Another clinical trial reported similar effects. Combining dietary changes with Hesperidin supplementation resulted in greater improvements in glucose metabolism compared to implementing dietary changes alone.
Improved Blood Vessel Function
A 3-week clinical trial showed Hesperidin improved blood flow and reduced the levels of inflammatory markers in adults with metabolic syndrome.
In a study with overweight men, drinking a glass of orange juice daily or supplementing with Hesperidin for four weeks improved blood flow after meals, indicating improved blood vessel function.
Bioavailability
Standard Hesperidin does not dissolve easily after ingestion, resulting in a bioavailability of about 20%. This means that about 20% of Hesperidin is absorbed and available for use in the body. (1)
Delivery systems have been developed to improve the bioavailability of Hesperidin and enhance its ability to produce beneficial effects in the body. (2)