Foods that contain diosmin and how to get them

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 60% of commercial diosmin supplements are semisynthetically produced from hesperidin, a flavonoid naturally found in citrus fruits. This process highlights that while diosmin is a potent compound, its natural food sources are more specific than often assumed. The primary food sources are citrus peels and certain vegetables, with a balanced diet being key to adequate intake.

Quick Summary

Diosmin, a flavonoid with antioxidant properties, is primarily found in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, as well as in smaller amounts in other plant foods. It is often combined with hesperidin and used in supplements to support vascular health and reduce inflammation. Increasing intake involves focusing on specific fruits and vegetables, though supplements derived from these sources are the most concentrated form.

Key Points

Citrus Fruits Are Key: The peels and pulp of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain high concentrations of the flavonoid diosmin.
Rutin in Buckwheat: Buckwheat contains rutin, a flavonoid from which diosmin can be derived, making it another dietary source.
Other Sources: Lesser amounts of beneficial flavonoids can be found in certain berries, leafy greens like spinach and kale, tea, and red wine.
Supplements are Most Concentrated: For targeted, therapeutic doses, diosmin supplements (often combined with hesperidin) are typically used, as dietary intake is generally lower.
Processing Matters: The concentration of flavonoids can vary significantly, with the highest levels often found in citrus peels, not just the juice.
Dietary Incorporation: To increase flavonoid intake, add citrus zest to meals, use buckwheat flour, and consume a variety of dark-colored fruits and vegetables.

Understanding Diosmin: A Powerful Flavonoid

Diosmin is a plant compound, or flavonoid, with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to help improve the tone and function of blood vessels and is commonly used in supplements to address conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. While diosmin supplements are widely available, many people are interested in increasing their intake through natural food sources.

The Role of Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are the most significant food source of flavonoids like diosmin and hesperidin. While the highest concentration is found in the peel and pulp, consuming the whole fruit can contribute to your dietary intake.

Oranges: Especially the rind and the pulp, which contain the precursor hesperidin, from which diosmin is often synthesized commercially.
Lemons and Limes: These fruits also contain high levels of flavonoids, including diosmin, particularly in their peels.
Grapefruits and Tangerines: These are additional members of the citrus family that provide a good source of bioflavonoids beneficial for vascular health.
Bitter Oranges (Citrus aurantium): The peels of bitter oranges are a concentrated source used for supplement production.

Other Plant-Based Sources

Beyond the well-known citrus sources, other plants contribute smaller, but still beneficial, amounts of diosmin through the flavonoid rutin.

Buckwheat: This gluten-free grain is a notable source of rutin, a precursor flavonoid that can be a source of diosmin. It can be consumed in kasha, soba noodles, or as a hot tea made from the leaves.
Certain Berries: Darker berries like blueberries, blackberries, and black currants contain tannins and antioxidants that protect blood vessels.
Leafy Greens: Vegetables such as spinach and kale are rich in overall antioxidants that contribute to a healthy circulatory system.
Tea and Red Wine: These contain flavonoids, though typically in lesser concentrations than found in whole foods or targeted supplements.

A Deeper Look into Food Processing and Concentration

It is important to note that the concentration of diosmin in foods can be lower than that found in supplements. Many commercial products, like Daflon, use a micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) to deliver a highly concentrated dose of 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin. While diet is a foundational part of health, it may not provide the therapeutic dose required for specific conditions.

Comparison of Diosmin Sources


Source	Primary Flavonoid	Common Form of Consumption	Typical Concentration	Best For
Citrus Fruits (Peel)	Hesperidin, Diosmin	Zest, Extracts, Juices	Variable; High	Overall dietary support, source for supplements
Buckwheat	Rutin	Flour, Tea, Groats	Low to Moderate	Rutin source for diosmin production
Dark Berries	Tannins, Anthocyanins	Fresh, Frozen, Juices	Low	General antioxidant support
Commercial Supplements	Diosmin, Hesperidin	Tablets, Capsules	High; Standardized	Targeted therapeutic use for vascular conditions

Practical Tips for Increasing Intake

To incorporate more potential diosmin sources into your diet, focus on whole foods and consider including the more concentrated parts of the plant.

Zest Your Citrus: Add lemon or orange zest to dressings, baked goods, or teas. The peel is a more concentrated source of bioflavonoids than the juice or pulp.
Use Buckwheat: Swap out regular flour for buckwheat flour in pancakes, or make soba noodles part of your weekly meals.
Eat More Dark-Colored Foods: Incorporate a variety of dark-colored fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, spinach, and black currants, into your daily routine.
Drink Herbal Teas: Buckwheat tea and green tea can contribute to your flavonoid intake.

Conclusion

While diosmin is not a widely available compound in the average diet in its pure form, its precursor, hesperidin, is abundant in citrus fruits. By focusing on a diet rich in whole foods, particularly citrus peels and buckwheat, you can increase your intake of these beneficial flavonoids. However, for therapeutic levels needed for specific circulatory conditions, healthcare providers typically recommend standardized diosmin supplements. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

For more detailed information on flavonoids and health benefits, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are excellent citrus sources of flavonoids like diosmin and hesperidin, particularly in their peels and pulp.

While a diet rich in citrus fruits and other plant sources contributes to flavonoid intake, achieving the higher therapeutic doses found in supplements is unlikely from food alone.

Diosmin and hesperidin are both bioflavonoids often found together in citrus fruits. Commercial diosmin is frequently semisynthesized from hesperidin for use in supplements.

The highest concentrations of flavonoids like diosmin and hesperidin are typically found in the peel and white, spongy part (albedo) of citrus fruits.

Yes, many people take diosmin via dietary supplements, which offer a standardized, higher concentration of the compound, often combined with hesperidin.

While citrus fruits are the primary source, other vegetables like buckwheat and leafy greens like spinach and kale contain flavonoids that contribute to overall intake.

To maximize your intake, focus on consuming citrus zest, incorporating buckwheat into your diet, and eating a wide variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.