Diosmetin

PhytochemicalFlavonoidBest with a meal

What is it

Diosmetin is a naturally occurring flavone (a type of flavonoid) found in citrus fruits and other plants. It is the aglycone form of diosmin, a more widely used venoactive ingredient.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Antioxidant activity (research stage)

Mixed Evidence

Diosmetin shows antioxidant effects in cell and animal studies. Direct human clinical trials of isolated diosmetin are lacking.

How it works

Diosmetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in cell and animal studies, including inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathways and reactive oxygen species. It interacts with several cytochrome P450 enzymes in laboratory models, which is relevant to drug-metabolism research. In the body, diosmetin is poorly absorbed orally as a free aglycone, and most clinical use involves its glycoside diosmin, which is partially hydrolyzed by gut bacteria and absorbed as diosmetin metabolites.

Dosage

There is no established RDA. Diosmin (which delivers diosmetin) is commonly used at 450-900 mg/day in venous insufficiency studies, often with hesperidin. Pure diosmetin is rarely supplemented at defined doses; label declarations in DSLD are small (e.g., 0.1-0.44%).

When and how to take it

If taken via diosmin-containing products, follow product instructions, typically with meals to improve tolerability. No strong time-of-day preference for diosmetin specifically.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Diosmetin (aglycone)

Found in small amounts in some citrus flavonoid extracts and herbal products.

Low oral bioavailability as free aglycone

Diosmin (glycoside)

More commonly supplemented form, often standardized with hesperidin for vascular support.

Hydrolyzed to diosmetin by gut bacteria

Safety

Generally well-tolerated when consumed as part of citrus extracts or diosmin preparations. Side effects of diosmin can include mild GI upset and headache. Long-term human safety of high-dose pure diosmetin is not well established.

Who should be cautious

Not enough human data to recommend during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People on medications metabolized by CYP1A2 (e.g., theophylline, some antidepressants) should consult a clinician before high-dose use.

Interactions

Diosmetin inhibits several CYP enzymes (notably CYP1A2) in vitro, which could theoretically affect drug metabolism. Clinical significance is unclear at typical dietary or supplemental intakes.

Food sources

Citrus fruits (lemon, orange peel)

Amount
trace amounts
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is diosmetin the same as diosmin?⌄

Diosmetin is the aglycone (sugar-free) form. Diosmin is the glycoside (with a sugar attached). Diosmin is more common in supplements.

Does diosmetin help with varicose veins?⌄

Diosmin (which delivers diosmetin metabolites) has evidence for chronic venous insufficiency symptoms. Pure diosmetin has not been directly studied for this in humans.

References

Diosmetin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Diosmetin (ChEBI:4630) — ChEBI link

Diosmetin (PubChem CID 5281612) — PubChem link

Diosmetin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Diosmetin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Diosmetin with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.