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Citrus Bioflavonoids

Supplement Forms/Alternate Names

Diosmetin; Diosmin; Hesperidin; Naringin; Narirutin; Neohesperidin; Nobiletin; Rutin; Tangeretin; Bioflavonoid

Introduction

Citrus bioflavonoids are compounds found in citrus fruits like tangerines, oranges, and grapefruit. They come in combinations or can be taken individually. Citrus bioflavonoids have been used to improve blood flow and ease swelling in the body. They can be taken as a pill or powder. Citrus bioflavonoids can also be applied to the skin as a cream. They have been used to fight signs of aging.

Dosages

500 milligrams 1 to 2 time daily

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

  • Acute hemorrhoidal disease—may ease symptoms A1
  • Diabetes—may lower blood pressure and ease swelling B1
  • Diabetic cystoid macular edema without macular thickening —may preserve retinal sensitivity F1
  • Radicular pain —may ease pain C1
  • Senile purpura —may ease bruising G1

May Not Be Effective

Unlikely to Be Effective

Not Enough Data to Assess

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to use citrus bioflavonoids on the skin and to take them orally in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References►

A. Hemorrhoid

A1. Giannini I, Amato A, et al. Flavonoids mixture (diosmin, troxerutin, hesperidin) in the treatment of acute hemorrhoidal disease: a prospective, randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial. Tech Coloprotocol. 2015;19(6):339-345.

B. Diabetes

B1. Homayouni F, Haidari F, et al. Blood pressure lowering and anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin in type 2 diabetes; a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2018;32(6):1073-1079.

C. Radicular Pain

C1. Wang Y, Fang W, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effects of Diosmin in the Treatment of Radicular Pain. Biomed Res Int. 2017;6875968.

D. Lipid Profile and Blood Pressure

D1. Mohammadi M, Ramezani-Jolfaie N, et al. Hesperidin, a major flavonoid in orange juice, might not affect lipid profile and blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2019 Mar;33(3):534-545.

D2. acchio A, Prencipe R, et al. Effectiveness and safety of a product containing diosmin, coumarin, and arbutin (Linfadren®) in addition to complex decongestive therapy on management of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Support Care Cancer. 2019 Apr;27(4):1471-1480.

E. Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women

E1. Martin BR, McCabe GP, et al. Effect of Hesperidin With and Without a Calcium (Calcilock) Supplement on Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Mar;101(3):923-927.

F. Diabetic Cystoid Macular Edema Without Macular Thickening

F1. Forte R, Cennamo G, et al. Long-term follow-up of oral administration of flavonoids, Centella asiatica and Melilotus, for diabetic cystoid macular edema without macular thickening. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Oct;29(8):733-737.

G. Senile Purpura

G1. Berlin JM, Eisenberg DP, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy of a citrus bioflavanoid blend in the treatment of senile purpura. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011 Jul;10(7):718-722.

H. High Cholesterol

H1. Demonty I, Lin Y, et al. The citrus flavonoids hesperidin and naringin do not affect serum cholesterol in moderately hypercholesterolemic men and women. J Nutr. 2010 Sep;140(9):1615-1620.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 6/29/2020