Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in a variety of edible plants, especially citrus fruits like organs, that possess a wide range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Hesperidin is a flavonoid that has been studied extensively for health promoting properties.
The reported benefits include relieving symptoms of hemorrhoids, venous insufficiency, low blood sugar and supporting a healthy cardiovascular system.
A recent study published in the Journal of American College of Nutrition evaluated hesperidin for improving good cholesterol and reducing inflammation. 
Here are the study Details:
- Patients who had an MI with the following traits: typical symptoms (i.e., chest discomfort), enzyme rise, and a typical echocardiograph pattern involving the development of Q waves (echocardiograph abnormalities).
- Study Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
- Hesperidin, a natural flavonoid, 600 milligrams was given daily with breakfast
- Length of study was 4 weeks
- Average age 55.49 ± 5.98 years old, were included the study.
- Sixty-eight percent (n = 26) and 72% (n = 27) of the study population in the hesperidin and placebo groups were males, respectively.
Here are the results:
The main findings of the study are shown below in the table that report an increase in HDL, decrease in E-selectin, and increase in adiponectin.
- HDL – considered the ‘good’ cholesterol that helps protect the heart and blood vessels by removing bad cholesterol from the blood
- E-selectin – one type of protein that can make blood sticky causing immune cells to bind to the blood vessel walls – the goal should be to have lower E-selectin.
- Adiponectin – is important for sugar metabolism and fat metabolism. The goal should be to increase it.
- Patients did not report any serious adverse effects during the study related to hesperidin or placebo consumption.
| Before Hesperidin | 4 weeks of Hesperidin
(600 mg daily) |
|
| HDL | 34.7 | 42.9 |
| Adiponectin | 6.71 | 8.1 |
| E-selectin | 41.21 | 33.21 |
*All values were statistically significant when compared to placebo
Take away message: The main findings of this study was that 4 weeks of hesperidin (600 mg) taken at breakfast increased HDL, decreased E-selectin, and increased adiponectin. Each of these are signficant because they offer protective effects to the cardiovascular system. Reductions in inflammatory markers including IL-6 (interleukin 6) and CRP (CRP) were observed, however, when compared to the placebo group they were not considered statistically significant. These results suggest that after just 4 weeks several blood markers can be improved in patients who just experienced an heart attack. Further studies will be needed to determine the long term impact on health with hesperidin.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2015; Volume 34 (Issue 3): Pages 205-11
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Cholesterol, Clinical Trials, Heart, Plant Medicine