Diosmin
OTHER NAME(S): diosmetin-7-O-rutinoside, diosmin, diosmine
Overview
Diosmin is a flavonoid that is found in many plants. It is available over the counter as a supplement and as part of an ingredient called micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF). Diosmin is commonly used for many health problems related to poor blood flow, but its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Before taking diosmin, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is diosmin used for?
Diosmin is used for various reasons related to blood flow, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use diosmin include the following.
- Hemorrhoids
- Poor blood flow to the veins in the legs (chronic venous insufficiency or CVI)
- Varicose veins
- Venous skin ulcers, which are sores on your legs that heal very slowly
Note: The FDA has not reviewed diosmin for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does diosmin work (mechanism of action)?
Diosmin is a flavonoid found in various plants, including citrus fruit peels. It acts as an antioxidant and can help reduce swelling (inflammation) in the body. It also seems to strengthen blood vessel walls, making them less “leaky.” Together, these effects may help reduce swelling (edema) and other symptoms in people with poor blood flow to different areas of the body. Examples of these conditions include chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Some people with these conditions report having less pain and swelling while taking diosmin. There are also studies that show diosmin may improve symptoms by a small amount in some people. But the overall benefits of diosmin for these uses are not well defined.
Most of the research on diosmin has evaluated a specific combination called micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF), which contains 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin, another flavonoid. Most studies in people with conditions related to poor blood flow show that MPFF can help reduce symptoms like swelling and pain in some people. MPFF has been processed to reduce the size of the particles in the product. These smaller particles may help to increase the amount of diosmin that your body absorbs.
Most of the research on diosmin and MPFF has used dietary supplements that are taken by mouth. Although some diosmin products are applied to the skin, the benefits of these products are unclear.
How should I store diosmin?
You should store diosmin according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of diosmin?
The most common side effects of diosmin are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
There may be other side effects of diosmin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of diosmin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of diosmin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Diosmin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using diosmin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use diosmin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use diosmin.
- Diosmin
- Diosmine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific diosmin products they stock.
What should I know about diosmin before using it?
Diosmin is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep diosmin out of the reach of children.
Dietary supplements that contain diosmin often contain other flavonoids, including hesperidin and rutin. Diosmin is also part of a combination called micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF), which contains 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin. Your body may absorb pure diosmin differently than MPFF. Also, different flavonoids may have different effects on the body. Read the product label carefully to understand which ingredients it contains.
The FDA has not tested diosmin products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using diosmin?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if diosmin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements.Diosmin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking diosmin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how diosmin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if diosmin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does diosmin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between diosmin and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect diosmin.
Does diosmin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking diosmin.
- Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
- Metronidazole (Flagyl and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat bacterial and other infections
The interactions between diosmin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with diosmin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking diosmin with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much diosmin?
If you or someone else has used too much diosmin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Diosmin is available in many different doses and forms and is often combined with other ingredients. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take diosmin safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Advances in Therapy: “Micronized purified flavonoid fraction in hemorrhoid disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
- Biomedicines: “Potential and therapeutic roles of diosmin in human diseases.”
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: “Phlebotonics for venous insufficiency.”
- Current Research in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery: “Plant metabolite diosmin as the therapeutic agent in human diseases.”
- European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: “Diosmin pretreatment affects bioavailability of metronidazole.”
- Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences: “Comparison of the absorption of micronized (Daflon 500 mg) and nonmicronized 14C-diosmin tablets after oral administration to healthy volunteers by accelerator mass spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting.”
- Nutrients: “Efficacy of a low-dose diosmin therapy on improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.”
- PubChem: Diosmin.
- Vascular Health and Risk Management: “Is there a difference in the clinical efficacy of diosmin and micronized purified flavonoid fraction for the treatment of chronic venous disorders? Review of available evidence.”
- Venous Disease: “Venous leg ulcer: a meta-analysis of adjunctive therapy with micronized purified flavonoid fraction.”
- World Journal of Gastroenterology: “How we can improve patients’ comfort after Milligan-Morgan open haemorrhoidectomy.”
- Xenobiotica: “Influence of diosmin on the metabolism and disposition of carbamazepine in healthy subjects.”