Hesperidin Concentrate
Also known as: Hesperidin, Citrus flavonoid
Overview
Hesperidin is a naturally occurring flavonoid predominantly found in the peels of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. As a dietary supplement, it is primarily used for its potential cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. Hesperidin is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to its cardiovascular protective effects. Research on hesperidin is moderately mature, supported by several systematic reviews and meta-analyses. High-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests that hesperidin supplementation can significantly reduce serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). It is available in pure form and as part of flavonoid mixtures.
Benefits
Hesperidin supplementation has demonstrated significant benefits in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Meta-analyses show that it can lower serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). For example, studies have reported reductions in TC by approximately -10.35 mg/dL and LDL-C by -8.45 mg/dL. A reduction in SBP by -3.31 mmHg has also been observed. These benefits are primarily seen in adult populations. Interventions lasting more than 8-12 weeks appear to be more effective in reducing these cardiovascular risk factors. However, current evidence does not support the claim that hesperidin improves blood glucose control in humans.
How it works
Hesperidin exerts its effects through various biological pathways, primarily involving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It improves endothelial function and reduces inflammation, contributing to its cardiovascular protective effects. Hesperidin interacts with the cardiovascular system by improving lipid profiles and reducing blood pressure. It also has anti-inflammatory effects by reducing TNF-α levels. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, hesperidin is known to interact with enzymes and receptors involved in inflammation and lipid metabolism. Its limited bioavailability is due to its glycosidic form, requiring enzymatic hydrolysis to hesperetin for better absorption.
Side effects
Hesperidin is generally considered safe for consumption, with limited data on common side effects. It is typically well-tolerated. No specific uncommon or rare side effects have been consistently reported. There is no significant evidence of drug interactions, but caution should be exercised when used with other cardiovascular medications. No specific contraindications are noted, but individuals with severe health conditions should consult healthcare providers before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult healthcare providers due to limited data on its safety in these populations. Overall, hesperidin appears to have a favorable safety profile when used as directed.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of hesperidin appears to be around 500 mg/day. Effective dosages range from 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses up to 1,000 mg/day have been used in studies without significant adverse effects. No specific timing recommendations are available, but consistency in daily intake is advised. Hesperidin is often used in its pure form or as part of a flavonoid mixture. Bioavailability may be enhanced when consumed with fatty meals or in its aglycone form, hesperetin. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is hesperidin safe to take?
Hesperidin is generally safe, but individuals with underlying health conditions should consult healthcare providers before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also seek medical advice.
When should I take hesperidin?
Consistent daily intake is recommended, but no specific timing is advised. It can be taken with or without food, but consuming it with a fatty meal may enhance absorption.
What results can I expect from taking hesperidin?
Users can expect improvements in cardiovascular risk factors such as lipid profiles and blood pressure over several weeks of consistent supplementation.
Does hesperidin improve blood sugar control?
It is often misconceived that hesperidin improves blood glucose control, but current evidence does not support this claim in humans.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37502716/ – This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs involving adults found that hesperidin supplementation significantly reduced TG, TC, LDL-C, SBP, and TNF-α. The study included interventions lasting more than eight weeks. However, it found no significant effect on HDL-C, WC, FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, CRP, IL-6, BMI, and DBP.
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/central/doi/10.1002/central/CN-01256128 – This Cochrane Library study investigates the use of flavonoids, including hesperidin, for hemorrhoidal disease. While the study assesses the effects of flavonoid mixtures, it does not specifically focus on hesperidin alone. The findings are less conclusive regarding the isolated effects of hesperidin on hemorrhoidal symptoms.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31489695/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of six RCTs with 318 participants found no significant effect of hesperidin supplementation on FBG, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and QUICKI. The study reported no between-study heterogeneity. These findings suggest that hesperidin does not significantly impact blood glucose control.
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/nutrit/nuae084/7718083?redirectedFrom=fulltext – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs involving adults found that hesperidin supplementation significantly reduced FBS, TG, TC, LDL-C, SBP, and TNF-α. The study included interventions lasting more than 12 weeks. However, it found no significant effect on insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, HDL-C, DBP, and hs-CRP.
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/77/12/845/5528274?login=true – This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of hesperidin supplementation on various health outcomes. The study synthesizes evidence from multiple RCTs to assess the impact of hesperidin on cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic parameters. The findings highlight the potential benefits of hesperidin in improving lipid profiles and reducing blood pressure.
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