The flavonoid hesperidin is a flavanone glycoside (glucoside)
comprised of the flavanone (a class of flavonoids) hesperitin and
the disaccharide rutinose. Hesperidin is the predominant flavonoid
in lemons and oranges. The peel and membranous parts of these
fruits have the highest hesperidin concentrations. Therefore,
orange juice containing pulp is richer in the flavonoid than that
without pulp. Sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis) and tangelos are the
richest dietary sources of hesperidin. Hesperidin is classified as
a citrus bioflavonoid.
Hesperidin, in combination with a flavone glycoside called diosmin,
is used in Europe for the treatment of venous insufficiency and
hemorrhoids. Hesperidin, rutin and other flavonoids thought to
reduce capillary permeability and to have anti-inflammatory action
were collectively known as vitamin P. These substances, however,
are not vitamins and are no longer referred to, except in older
literature, as vitamin P.
