Overview

Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in many plants, especially in citrus fruits. It is also available over the counter as a supplement, sometimes in combination with other flavonoids. Although hesperidin is used for many reasons, its benefits are not well defined. It seems to be well tolerated, but there is not enough research to know what common side effects it may cause. Before taking hesperidin, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is hesperidin used for?

Hesperidin is used for many reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using hesperidin include the following.

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
• Weight loss
• To improve physical performance

Note: The FDA has not reviewed hesperidin for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does hesperidin work (mechanism of action)?

Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in various plants, including citrus fruits and hops. Sweet oranges and orange juice contain especially large amounts of hesperidin.

Hesperidin may act as an antioxidant and reduce swelling (inflammation) in the body. It is also thought to have effects in the liver and change the way that your body uses the sugars that you eat. But most research shows that it does not help lower blood sugar levels, blood pressure, or body weight. Its benefits for other uses, such as cholesterol and liver problems, are not well defined.

Some people take hesperidin to improve their physical performance during exercise and certain activities. But research on the use of hesperidin for physical performance is limited, and its benefits are unclear.

Hesperidin is also available as part of a specific combination called micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF). This combination contains 10% hesperidin and 90% diosmin, another flavonoid. MPFF has been studied in people with conditions related to poor blood flow, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and hemorrhoids. There is very little research on the use of hesperidin as a single ingredient for these conditions, and the benefits of taking it by mouth or applying it to the skin are unclear. For more information about MPFF and its uses, see Diosmin.

How should I store hesperidin?

You should store hesperidin 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 hesperidin?

Hesperidin seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of hesperidin 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 hesperidin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of hesperidin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hesperidin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using hesperidin 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 hesperidin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use hesperidin.

• Hesperidin
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hesperidin products they stock.

What should I know about hesperidin before using it?

Hesperidin 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 hesperidin out of the reach of children.

Dietary supplements that contain hesperidin often contain other flavonoids, including diosmin and rutin. Hesperidin is also part of a combination called micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF), which contains 10% hesperidin and 90% diosmin. Your body may absorb pure hesperidin differently compared to MPFF. Also, different flavonoids may have different effects on the body. Read the product label carefully to understand which ingredients it contains.

Hesperidin is often found in products that contain “citrus bioflavonoids.” These products may contain any flavonoids found in citrus fruits, but they most often contain hesperidin, rutin, and/or naringenin. Most of these products do not state which flavonoids they contain or which citrus fruits they were made from. Some citrus bioflavonoid products have been found to contain less than the amount stated on the label. Also, some products may contain very high or very low levels of only one or two of these flavonoids. Due to this variability, citrus bioflavonoid products are not a reliable or consistent source of hesperidin or any other flavonoids.

The FDA has not tested hesperidin 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 hesperidin?

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 hesperidin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Citrus Allergy.Many hesperidin products are made from citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruits. If you have an allergy to a citrus fruit, you may be at a higher risk of an allergic reaction to these products. Speak with your health care provider before taking hesperidin if you have a citrus allergy.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how hesperidin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if hesperidin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does hesperidin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between hesperidin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect hesperidin.

Does hesperidin 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.

The interactions between hesperidin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with hesperidin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking hesperidin with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much hesperidin?

If you or someone else has used too much hesperidin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Hesperidin is available in many 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 hesperidin safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.