Citrus Bioflavonoids

Citrus Bioflavonoids 50% Complex

Bioflavonoids are naturally occurring compounds that are largely responsible for colors of many fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources such as herbs. Bioflavonoids were first discovered in 1936 by Albert Szent-Gyorgi, who originally named it as “vitamin P.” Since then, thousands of flavonoids have been characterized and classified. Citrus bioflavonoids are those found in citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit. Compounds commonly included in citrus bioflavonoid supplements include quercitin, naringin, rutin and hesperidin. These substances are potent antioxidants, which help neutralize damaging free radicals and fight signs of aging.

Benefits of Citrus Bioflavonoids

The following are among the many health benefits of citrus bioflavonoids:

Maintains a Healthy Heart

Population studies have shown that higher bioflavonoids intake is associated with lower risk of dying from heart disease and has been shown to beneficially impact parameters associated with atherosclerosis (plaque build-up inside the arteries), which is the most common cause of heart diseases^.[1]

Improves Cholesterol Levels

Orange juice – a rich source of citrus bioflavonoids such as hesperidin – helps lower high cholesterol levels. In one study, consumption of 750 ml orange juice daily increased high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) concentrations by 21% and decreased low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) in 25 healthy participants.^[2] In another study, daily treatment with citrus bioflavonoids significantly reduced total cholesterol (20%-30%) and triglycerides (24%-34%) in patients with elevated cholesterol levels.^[3]

Lowers High Blood Pressure

Citrus bioflavonoids possess anti-hypertensive effect. In one study, daily doses of 582.5 mg hesperidin, 125 mg narirutin, and 34 mg didymin over a 12-week period enhanced the antioxidant defense system, protected against DNA damage, and reduced the blood pressure of overweight and obese adults.^[4] Research suggests that the therapeutic effects of bioflavonoids on high blood pressure have been attributed to competitive inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE).^[1] This mechanism is similar to how anti-hypertensive drugs such as PDE inhibitors work.

Helps Reduce Weight

Obesity is a major public health concern because it increases one’s risk for a wide array of serious health conditions. The good news is that loading up on citrus bioflavonoids may actually prevent obesity. In fact, one study suggests that the combination of the bioflavonoids naringin and hesperidin with bitter orange helps reduce body fat.^[5] In another study, drinking orange juice alone significantly reduced the weight of overweight and obese nonsmoking adults.^[4]     

Helps Normalize Blood Sugar Levels

Citrus bioflavonoids and other antioxidants are among the numerous adjunct therapies for diabetes which are currently being tested.^[6] In one study assessing the effects of Daflon 500, which is made up of the bioflavonoids diosmin (90%) and hesperidin (10%), in 28 patients with Type 1 diabetes, a significant decrease in HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar) were observed after the treatment without any adverse side effects.^[7]

Helps Reduce Inflammation

One study revealed that oral hesperidin administration (500 mg once daily for 3 weeks) was able to improve blood circulation and reduce concentrations of circulating inflammatory biomarkers in patients with metabolic syndrome.^[8]

References:

1. Peluso MR. Flavonoids attenuate cardiovascular disease, inhibit phosphodiesterase, and modulate lipid homeostasis in adipose tissue and liver. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2006;231(8):1287-99.
2. Kurowska EM, Spence JD, Jordan J, et al. HDL-cholesterol-raising effect of orange juice in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(5):1095-100.
3. Roza JM, Xian-liu Z, Guthrie N. Effect of citrus flavonoids and tocotrienols on serum cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007;13(6):44-8.
4. Rangel-huerta OD, Aguilera CM, Martin MV, et al. Normal or High Polyphenol Concentration in Orange Juice Affects Antioxidant Activity, Blood Pressure, and Body Weight in Obese or Overweight Adults. J Nutr. 2015;145(8):1808-16.
5. Stohs SJ, Preuss HG, Keith SC, Keith PL, Miller H, Kaats GR. Effects of p-synephrine alone and in combination with selected bioflavonoids on resting metabolism, blood pressure, heart rate and self-reported mood changes. Int J Med Sci. 2011;8(4):295-301.
6. Ayodeji Babatunde Oyenihi, Ademola Olabode Ayeleso, Emmanuel Mukwevho, and Bubuya Masola, “Antioxidant Strategies in the Management of Diabetic Neuropathy,” BioMed Research International, vol. 2015, Article ID 515042, 15 pages, 2015.
7. Manuel y keenoy B, Vertommen J, De leeuw I. The effect of flavonoid treatment on the glycation and antioxidant status in Type 1 diabetic patients. Diabetes Nutr Metab. 1999;12(4):256-63.
8. Rizza S, Muniyappa R, Iantorno M, et al. Citrus polyphenol hesperidin stimulates production of nitric oxide in endothelial cells while improving endothelial function and reducing inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(5):E782-92.