Loading ...
Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid found in citrus, especially in the white parts and pulps of the peels. Some people take hesperidin as a supplement because it can enhance blood flow, as it seems to improve the health of capillaries. There are several studies pointing to the possibility that hesperidin has anticancer properties, including research in colon (Aranganathan 2009), liver (Yeh 2009), and pancreatic cancer (Patil 2009).
In a recent study from the University of California, Santa Barbara, scientists evaluated the effects of hesperidin on breast cancer cells and on both androgen-independent and androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells. Hesperidin inhibited the proliferation of the breast cancer cells but not the androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Hesperidin did, however, have an impact on androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells, suggesting to the investigators that more research is needed in the mechanisms involved in different prostate cancer cell lines. (Lee 2010)
Like other bioflavonoids, hesperidin does its best work when it is taken along with vitamin C and other bioflavonoids, just like it appears in nature. That’s why hesperidin is frequently one of the ingredients in a bioflavonoid supplement. Hesperidin is also available alone as a powder or capsule. Because hesperidin, like other bioflavonoids, reduces blood platelet stickiness, anyone who is taking blood thinners should not take hesperidin until they speak with a healthcare professional. The amount of hesperidin consumed depends on the strength of the supplement and the reason for taking it.
References
Aranganathan S, Nalini N. Efficacy of the potential chemopreventive agent, hesperetin (citrus flavanone) on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced colon carcinogenesis. Food Chem Toxicol 2009 Oct; 47(10): 2594-600.
Lee CJ et al. Hesperidin suppressed proliferations of both human breast cancer and androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells. Phytother Res 2010 Jan; 24 Suppl:S15-19
Patil JR et al. Bioactive compounds from Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) juice induce apoptosis in human pancreatic cells. J Agric Food Chem 2009 Nov 25; 57(22): 10933-42.
Yeh MH et al. Hesperidin inhibited acetaldehyde-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Toxicol Lett 2009 Feb 10; 184(3): 204-10.
