Source

Hesperidin is a flavonone diglycoside occurring in most citrus fruits, especially in the peel and the pulp. In this glycoside, hesperitin is bound to disaccharide rutinose. This polyphenolic citrus bioflavonoid is the predominant flavonoid in lemons and oranges. An abundant and inexpensive by-product of citrus cultivation, hesperidin is associated with a number of pharmacological properties. First isolated from the spongy inner portion of the pericarp of oranges by Leberton in 1828, its presence in lemons was identified by Pheffer in 1874.

While hesperidin is a non-bitter flavonoid from sweet orange Citrus sinensis and related species, neohesperidin is a bitter glycoside occurring in bitter orange Citrus aurantium. It is closely related to other citrus bioflavonoids such as quercetin, rutin and diosmin. Earlier hesperidin along with rutin and other flavonoids with capillary permeability enhancement property were classified as Vitamin P.

Uses

Hesperidin alone, or in combination with other citrus bioflavonoids, is most often used for vascular conditions such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect in these conditions. Hesperidin is available as a dietary supplement with reputedly beneficial effects on veins and capillaries. It may be beneficial as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and chemopreventive agent. Hesperidin also regulates hepatic cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methlyglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Its deficiency has been linked to abnormal capillary leakiness as well as pain in the extremities causing aches, weakness and night leg cramps. Supplemental hesperidin also helps in reducing oedema or excess swelling in the legs due to fluid accumulation