Hesperidin is the dominant flavonoid in oranges and citrus peel — a single glass of orange juice contains 30-60mg. Our research shows it has well-documented vascular effects: a 2011 RCT found 292mg/day reduced diastolic blood pressure by 3 mmHg and improved endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation) by 25%. It's one of the active compounds behind "an orange a day keeps the doctor away." The glucosyl form (G-hesperidin) is water-soluble and 3x more bioavailable than standard hesperidin. Often combined with diosmin for chronic venous insufficiency (the Daflon® 500mg combination is the most prescribed venoactive drug in Europe).
Hesperidin and its aglycone hesperetin work through: (1) increasing endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity and NO bioavailability — improving vasodilation and reducing blood pressure; (2) inhibiting phosphodiesterase (PDE) in venous smooth muscle — increasing cAMP, which improves venous tone and reduces stasis; (3) reducing capillary permeability by strengthening inter-endothelial junctions; (4) inhibiting NF-κB and ICAM-1, reducing vascular inflammation and leukocyte adhesion. In the gut, hesperidin is converted by intestinal bacteria to hesperetin, which is then absorbed — meaning gut microbiome composition affects bioavailability.
No critical interactions identified.
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.