Hesperidin (orange peel glycoside) is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits that has several health benefits and a wide range of applications. The following is a detailed summary of the benefits of hesperidin:
1. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Antioxidant
Hesperidin is a potent free radical scavenger, can neutralize excess reactive oxygen species in the body (such as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals, etc.), to reduce oxidative stress damage to cells, DNA and proteins.
Mechanism: Activate the key transcription factor Nrf2. an intracellular antioxidant, to promote the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and enhance the cell’s own antioxidant defense.
Anti-inflammatory
By inhibiting the production and release of inflammatory mediators (e.g. TNF-α, IL-6), it reduces chronic inflammatory responses and helps to alleviate inflammation-related diseases.
2. Cardiovascular protection
Lowering blood pressure
Studies have shown that a single oral dose of hesperidin (10-50mg/kg) can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and the effect lasts for 9-12 hours.
Mechanism: Enhance endothelium-dependent vasodilatory function, increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO).
Regulation of blood lipids
Reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increase the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), prevent atherosclerosis.
Improve vascular endothelial function
Protecting vascular endothelial cells, maintaining vascular integrity, increasing the tension and elasticity of capillary walls.
3. Other Health Benefits
Anti-aging and neuroprotection
Muscle health: Studies have confirmed that hesperidin improves muscle degeneration in aged mice and reduces muscle loss by regulating the immune balance (inhibiting pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and promoting tissue-repairing M2 macrophages).
Neuroprotection: Protection of nerve cells from oxidative damage may have a positive effect on the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Anti-tumor potential
Some studies suggest that hesperidin may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, especially in colon and breast cancer, showing potential effects by mechanisms including inducing apoptosis or blocking DNA synthesis.
Promote intestinal health
Enhance the intestinal barrier function, reduce the harmful substances through the intestinal wall into the blood circulation, assist in relieving gastric ulcers and other digestive disorders.
Improve microcirculation
Increase the toughness of capillaries and prevent microcirculation disorders such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Application Fields
Medicine and health care products
Used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (e.g. hypertension, arteriosclerosis).
Regulate blood sugar, blood lipid, assist in improving metabolic syndrome.
Used as antioxidant in health care products to delay aging.
Food Industry
Natural additives: used as coloring agent (giving yellow color to food) and bittering agent for beverages, candies, condiments, etc.
Functional fortification: Enhance the effect of vitamin C and promote its absorption and utilization in the body.
Daily chemical field
Skin whitening: inhibit tyrosinase activity, reduce melanin production, used in spot removal and whitening products.
Antibacterial and antiviral: Large doses of methyl hesperidin can inhibit the reproduction of influenza virus and enhance immunity.