Natural Sources of Diosmin: How to Find This Bioflavonoid

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

Diosmin, a flavonoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been used since the late 1960s to support vascular health. Many people wonder where to find this beneficial compound naturally to boost their intake through diet or herbal remedies. This article explores the plant-based origins of diosmin, from common citrus fruits to lesser-known herbs, and discusses how it is processed for supplements.

Quick Summary

This article details the plant-based origins of diosmin, a bioflavonoid known for its vascular health benefits. It covers its presence in citrus fruit rinds, as well as its relationship with the compound hesperidin. Further information is provided on other herbal and food sources where rutin, a precursor to diosmin, can be found.

Key Points

Primary Source is Citrus: The most common source of diosmin is the rind of citrus fruits, including oranges and lemons, although it is extracted as the precursor hesperidin.
Derived, Not Directly from Fruit: Therapeutic doses of diosmin are not consumed by eating citrus but are semi-synthetically processed from extracted hesperidin for supplements.
Rutin-Rich Foods Contribute: A wider range of foods contain rutin, a flavonoid that serves as a precursor to diosmin, such as buckwheat, apples, and certain berries.
Early Botanical Origins: Diosmin was first isolated from the figwort plant (Scrophularia nodosa L.), demonstrating its long history as a plant-derived compound.
Supplements for Efficacy: Standardized supplements, often in a micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF), are necessary to achieve the high, consistent dosage required for therapeutic effects on vascular health.
Bioflavonoid Pairing: Diosmin is frequently combined with hesperidin in supplements, which are derived from the same citrus sources and offer synergistic benefits.

What is Diosmin?

Diosmin is a flavone glycoside, a type of flavonoid found in various plants that is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is primarily recognized for its positive effects on vascular health, including supporting blood vessel tone and improving blood circulation. While often taken as a supplement for conditions like hemorrhoids and chronic venous insufficiency, many are curious about its original plant-based sources.

Primary Natural Sources of Diosmin

The most abundant and well-known natural source of diosmin is the citrus family. However, the compound is not found in high concentrations in the fruit's pulp but rather in the more bitter, protective outer layers and membranes.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits contain high levels of the flavonoid hesperidin, which is the precursor from which diosmin is primarily and widely derived for supplements. While trace amounts of diosmin may be present naturally, its concentration is highest in the rinds and mesocarp of these fruits. Key citrus sources include:

Oranges (Citrus sinensis): The rinds are a key source of hesperidin, which is then processed to create diosmin supplements.
Lemons (Citrus limon): Similar to oranges, the peel contains significant flavonoid content.
Grapefruits (Citrus paradisi): The peel and white membranes of grapefruit also contain the necessary bioflavonoids.
Tangerines (Citrus reticulata): This smaller citrus fruit is another excellent source of these compounds.

Other Herbal Sources

Beyond citrus, diosmin was first isolated from the figwort plant and can be found in other specific botanical sources. However, the concentration in these plants may vary significantly and is generally much lower than what is used in supplement formulations.

Figwort Plant (Scrophularia nodosa L.): This is the plant from which diosmin was first isolated in 1925, showcasing its long history as a natural compound.
Ruta graveolens: This shrub, also known as Rue, contains concentrations of this flavonoid.
Barosma betulina: Commonly known as Buchu, this plant is also cited as a natural source.

The Role of Rutin

Another important natural pathway to diosmin involves the flavonoid rutin. Rutin is a plant-based compound that acts as a precursor for diosmin synthesis and is itself found in a wider variety of foods than pure diosmin.

Foods Rich in Rutin

Including rutin-rich foods in your diet can contribute to a healthy intake of related flavonoids. Some common examples include:

Buckwheat: This gluten-free grain is one of the most prominent dietary sources of rutin. It can be consumed in the form of soba noodles, pancakes, or kasha.
Apples: Particularly in the peel, apples are a source of rutin.
Berries: Many berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries, contain tannins and other bioflavonoids that protect against blood vessel leakage and can contribute to overall vascular health.
Green Tea: This popular beverage is known for its antioxidant properties and also contains small amounts of hesperidin and rutin.

How Is Diosmin Processed for Supplements?

Given that dietary sources often provide low, and sometimes inconsistent, amounts of diosmin, supplements are commonly used to achieve a therapeutic dose. The process involves extracting hesperidin from citrus peels, particularly oranges, and then semi-synthetically converting it into diosmin. Most diosmin supplements, such as the widely available micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF), contain a standardized ratio of 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin for enhanced therapeutic effect.

Comparison of Natural and Supplement Sources


Feature	Natural Food Sources	Processed Supplements
Concentration	Generally low and variable.	Standardized and high, with 90% diosmin common in MPFF.
Availability	Depends on seasonal and fresh produce availability.	Easily accessible through pharmacies and health food stores.
Form	Part of whole fruits, grains, and herbs.	Available in capsules, tablets, and gels.
Bioavailability	Potentially lower due to lower concentrations and less efficient absorption.	Formulated for improved absorption, often micronized for better bioavailability.
Purpose	Part of a healthy, balanced diet for general wellness.	Targeted therapeutic use for specific vascular conditions.
Combination	Consumed with other nutrients, flavonoids, and fiber.	Often combined with hesperidin for synergistic effects.

Conclusion

While diosmin is most concentrated and therapeutically effective when taken as a standardized supplement, it originates from several natural plant sources. Citrus fruit rinds serve as the primary commercial source, with the precursor hesperidin being extracted and converted. For those seeking to increase their intake of related bioflavonoids through diet, foods rich in rutin, such as buckwheat and apples, are excellent options. Understanding these natural sources can help inform dietary choices and shed light on the origins of this important vascular support compound. For targeted, high-dose applications, however, supplements remain the most reliable method. Healthline offers additional information on the health benefits and uses of diosmin.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is highly unlikely to consume a therapeutic dose of diosmin from eating citrus fruits alone. The compound is mainly concentrated in the rind, not the fruit's edible pulp, and supplements are processed to achieve standardized, higher concentrations.

Diosmin and hesperidin are both bioflavonoids found in citrus fruits. Hesperidin is the precursor from which diosmin is primarily derived for commercial supplements. The two are often combined in supplements for a synergistic effect.

While the impact of cooking on diosmin itself is not widely studied, flavonoids in general can be sensitive to heat. To maximize the flavonoid content from food sources like apple peels and berries, it is best to consume them raw when possible.

Diosmin is processed semi-synthetically from hesperidin to obtain a consistent, high concentration of the compound. Natural food sources do not provide a high enough or reliable enough dose for therapeutic use in supplements.

Beyond citrus, diosmin was historically isolated from the figwort plant (Scrophularia nodosa L.) and can also be found in shrubs like Ruta graveolens and Barosma betulina.

Foods rich in rutin include buckwheat, apple peels, and various berries like blueberries and strawberries. Consuming these foods can contribute to your overall flavonoid intake, which includes compounds related to diosmin.

For targeted therapeutic benefits, such as for vascular conditions like hemorrhoids and chronic venous insufficiency, diosmin is best obtained through standardized supplements, which offer consistent and reliable dosages.