Exploring the Natural Sources of Diosmin Hesperidin

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Overwhelmingly, the primary natural source of the flavonoid compounds diosmin and hesperidin is the citrus family of plants. These powerful bioflavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties, are concentrated in the fruit's peel and inner white pith, rather than the juicy pulp.

Quick Summary

The bioflavonoids diosmin and hesperidin are naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and mandarins, with the highest concentration in the peel. Other plant sources also contain these compounds.

Key Points

Citrus Fruits Are Key: The primary natural source for both diosmin and hesperidin is the citrus family, including oranges, lemons, and tangerines.
Peel Power: The highest concentration of these bioflavonoids, especially hesperidin, is found in the white pith (albedo) and outer peel (flavedo) of citrus fruits.
Hesperidin to Diosmin: While diosmin is naturally present, its concentration is low; for supplements, it is typically derived commercially from the more abundant hesperidin found in citrus peels.
Beyond Citrus: Other plant sources provide compounds that can be related to or contain these flavonoids, such as buckwheat and apples, which are known for their rutin content.
Bioflavonoid Duo: Diosmin and hesperidin often work together in a synergistic manner to provide enhanced support for vascular health and function.

What are Diosmin and Hesperidin?

Diosmin and hesperidin are powerful plant-based compounds known as bioflavonoids. They belong to a sub-class of flavonoids called flavanones, which are recognized for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While they are often discussed together, they have slightly different properties and sources. Hesperidin is a naturally occurring flavanone glycoside, while diosmin is a flavone glycoside. Interestingly, for commercial production, diosmin is often semi-synthesized from naturally occurring hesperidin due to the higher concentration of hesperidin in citrus peels. Together, they are known to support circulatory health by strengthening blood vessel walls and improving venous tone.

The Citrus Family: The Primary Natural Source

The Rutaceae family, commonly known as the citrus family, is the most significant natural reservoir for both diosmin and hesperidin. Nearly all citrus fruits contain these valuable bioflavonoids, though concentrations can vary depending on the fruit variety, ripeness, and which part of the fruit is consumed.

Hesperidin-Rich Citrus Fruits

Hesperidin is particularly abundant in citrus fruits, with high concentrations found in the white, spongy inner layer of the peel, known as the albedo.

Oranges: Sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis) are a particularly rich source of hesperidin, both in the juice and especially in the peel. Studies show that hesperidin levels are significantly higher in the peel compared to the pulp.
Lemons and Limes: These fruits also contain hesperidin, although concentrations can be slightly lower than in oranges. The hesperidin content is still most concentrated in the peel and rind.
Mandarins and Tangerines: These are another excellent source, with mandarine rinds showing notably high hesperidin levels in research.
Grapefruit: While it contains hesperidin, grapefruit is more known for another flavonoid called naringin.

Diosmin in Citrus Fruits

While diosmin is also found in citrus fruits, its concentration is generally lower than hesperidin. Because of this, commercial diosmin supplements are often derived from hesperidin found in citrus peels.

Oranges and Lemons: Small amounts of natural diosmin are found in these fruits, particularly within the pericarps (the fruit wall).

Other Natural Sources of Bioflavonoids

Beyond the citrus family, other plants contain compounds that can provide or be converted into diosmin. For example, rutin is a bioflavonoid that can be a source of diosmin.

Plant-Based Sources of Rutin

Buckwheat: This gluten-free grain is a well-known source of rutin, a precursor compound that can serve as a plant-based source of diosmin. Buckwheat flour and tea made from dried leaves are common ways to consume it.
Apples: Specifically, the peel of apples contains rutin, adding to its list of health benefits.
Figwort Plant (Scrophularia nodosa): Historically, diosmin was first isolated from this plant in 1925, cementing its status as a natural compound.

How Hesperidin is Used to Create Diosmin for Supplements

Given the relatively low natural concentration of diosmin in citrus, the pharmaceutical and supplement industries have developed methods to produce it efficiently. The process typically involves extracting hesperidin from citrus peels, then chemically converting it into diosmin through a dehydrogenation process. This allows for a consistent and concentrated source of diosmin, often combined with a small amount of hesperidin, as seen in many popular supplements. This micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF), typically 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin, is widely used for circulatory support.

Comparison of Key Natural Sources

To provide clarity on where to find these beneficial compounds, the table below compares the main natural sources of hesperidin and diosmin.


Feature	Hesperidin	Diosmin
Primary Source	Citrus fruits, especially the peel	Citrus fruits, but in lower concentrations
Abundant In	Oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins	Found in some citrus; commercially derived from hesperidin
Other Sources	Mint plants, honeybush, tea	Precursors like rutin found in buckwheat, apples
Concentration	Highest in the citrus peel (albedo and flavedo)	Lower natural levels; often extracted and concentrated from hesperidin
Commercial Use	Used alongside diosmin in MPFF supplements	Primary active ingredient in many circulatory support supplements

Conclusion

In summary, the most abundant and direct natural sources of diosmin hesperidin are the peels and membranes of various citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and mandarins. While hesperidin is plentiful in these fruits, diosmin exists in lower concentrations and is often manufactured from its citrus-based relative for dietary supplements. For those looking to increase their intake through diet, focusing on the consumption of whole citrus fruits, or even incorporating the zest, is beneficial. Including other rutin-rich foods like buckwheat can also contribute to a diet rich in these circulatory-supporting bioflavonoids.

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest concentrations of hesperidin and, by extension, the source material for most diosmin, are found in the white pith and peel of citrus fruits, rather than the juicy pulp.

While citrus fruits provide some amount of these flavonoids, the concentrations are often lower than therapeutic levels. For conditions treated with this combination, supplements are often used to ensure adequate intake.

Natural sources like citrus fruits offer broader nutritional benefits, including Vitamin C. Supplements, on the other hand, provide standardized, concentrated doses for specific therapeutic purposes, and the best choice depends on your health goals.

Hesperidin is typically extracted from citrus peels using a process involving alkaline solutions and precipitation. Diosmin is then semi-synthetically created from this purified hesperidin.

Hesperidin is a naturally occurring flavanone glycoside, while diosmin is a flavone glycoside. While both are bioflavonoids from citrus, diosmin is often commercially created from hesperidin and is frequently micronized for better absorption in supplements.

Most citrus fruits contain both, but in varying concentrations. Oranges and mandarins are particularly rich in hesperidin, while diosmin is generally found in lower amounts across the genus.

Consumption of diosmin hesperidin from natural sources is considered safe. Adverse effects are very rare, but supplement users, especially those taking certain medications, should consult a healthcare professional.