Flavanones

PhytochemicalFlavonoidBest with a meal

What is it

Flavanones are a class of flavonoids characterized by a saturated bond in the C ring. They are most abundant in citrus fruits; the main members are hesperidin, naringenin/naringin, and eriodictyol.

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Chronic venous insufficiency (hesperidin + diosmin)

Strong Evidence

RCTs show MPFF improves leg heaviness, edema, and pain in CVI.

Vascular function

Good Evidence

RCTs of hesperidin-rich orange juice show improved endothelial function and blood pressure markers.

How it works

Citrus flavanones are absorbed largely after gut microbiota hydrolyze the glycoside to the aglycone (e.g., hesperetin, naringenin). They show endothelial, vascular, and anti-inflammatory effects in human studies, primarily on capillary fragility, venous tone (hesperidin with diosmin), and lipid markers. Naringin/naringenin are also known to inhibit certain intestinal CYP3A4, which is the basis for the grapefruit-juice drug interaction.

Dosage

Hesperidin: 500-1000 mg/day. Total citrus bioflavonoid blends: 500-1000 mg/day. Diosmin+hesperidin MPFF: 1000 mg/day.

When and how to take it

Take with meals for absorption and to reduce GI upset.

3 commercial forms

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

Hesperidin

Most-studied citrus flavanone.

Requires gut microbial hydrolysis.

Naringin/naringenin

Source of grapefruit drug interactions.

Better absorbed than hesperidin; CYP3A4 inhibitor.

Hesperidin 2S (G-hesperidin)

Newer commercial form.

More water-soluble glucosylated form with improved absorption.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. GI upset is the most common side effect at higher doses.

Who should be cautious

Patients taking medications with grapefruit-juice warnings should be cautious with grapefruit/naringin extracts. Pregnancy data limited.

Interactions

Grapefruit-derived naringin can inhibit CYP3A4 and P-gp at sufficient intake, affecting statins, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressants. Hesperidin alone has weaker effects.

Food sources

Orange (medium)

Amount
~50 mg hesperidin
%DV
—

Grapefruit (half)

Amount
~30-50 mg naringin
%DV
—

Lemon

Amount
~30 mg flavanones
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

What are flavanones good for?⌄

Best-supported use is for venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids (hesperidin + diosmin).

Will naringin interact with my statin?⌄

Possibly. Naringin can inhibit CYP3A4. Discuss with your prescriber.

References

Flavanones on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Flavanones (ChEBI:28863) — ChEBI link

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

Research on Flavanones (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Flavanones with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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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.