What Food Has Diosmin Hesperidin in It? A Guide to Dietary Sources

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 6,000 types of flavonoids exist in nature, and two, diosmin and hesperidin, are particularly noted for their benefits to circulatory health. While most people get these powerful antioxidants from supplements, many common foods, especially citrus, naturally contain them. This guide explores which food has diosmin hesperidin in it to help you boost your dietary intake.

Quick Summary

Diosmin and hesperidin are naturally occurring citrus bioflavonoids beneficial for circulatory health. Learn about the primary food sources, including the peel and pulp of specific fruits, along with other plant-based origins and how they compare to supplements for optimal intake.

Key Points

Citrus Peels are Primary Sources: The highest concentrations of both diosmin and hesperidin are found in the white pulp and peel of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
Supplements Offer Standardized Doses: Therapeutic doses are typically obtained from micronized supplements containing 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin, providing a higher and more consistent intake than food alone.
Rutin is a Diosmin Precursor: Buckwheat is a notable dietary source of rutin, a flavonoid from which diosmin can be derived.
Bioflavonoids Support Vascular Health: These compounds help strengthen blood vessel walls, improve venous tone, and offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Whole Foods Provide Synergistic Benefits: While supplements are effective, eating a varied diet rich in flavonoid-containing fruits and vegetables ensures a broader intake of complementary nutrients.
Food Preparation Affects Levels: Consuming the whole fruit, including the zest and pulp, is more beneficial than just drinking the juice, where flavonoid content is often lower.

Citrus Fruits: The Primary Source of Diosmin and Hesperidin

The most significant dietary source of both diosmin and hesperidin is citrus fruit, particularly in the peel and the inner white pulp (albedo). Hesperidin, a flavanone, is especially abundant in oranges and lemons, while diosmin is often synthesized from hesperidin for supplements but exists naturally alongside it. For the highest concentration, it is often more effective to consume the zest or pulp rather than just the juice, though juice still provides some benefits.

Key Citrus Foods Rich in These Bioflavonoids

Oranges: These are a prime source, with hesperidin concentrated in the peel and pulp.
Lemons: The peel of lemons is rich in both diosmin and hesperidin.
Grapefruits: Like other citrus fruits, grapefruits contain beneficial flavanones.
Limes: A hybrid of citron and papeda, limes are also a reliable source of these compounds.
Mandarins and Tangerines: These sweet citrus options contain significant levels, especially in their peels.

To maximize intake from these fruits, consider incorporating the zest into recipes, blending the entire fruit into a smoothie, or using the peel for homemade extracts.

Other Dietary Sources of Flavonoids

While citrus is the most direct food source, other plant-based foods contain flavonoids that are precursors to or related to diosmin and hesperidin. Including a variety of these foods in your diet can support overall flavonoid intake and cardiovascular health.

List of Foods with Related Flavonoids

Buckwheat: This gluten-free grain is a well-known source of rutin, a flavonoid from which diosmin can be derived. Buckwheat can be used in pancakes, noodles, or as a breakfast porridge.
Fenugreek Seeds: Studies have explored the extraction of diosmin from fenugreek seeds, a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine.
Green Tea: This beverage is a good source of flavan-3-ols (catechins) and also contains trace amounts of hesperidin, contributing to antioxidant intake.
Berries: Foods like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are rich in anthocyanins and other flavonoids that offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Peanut Skins: The red skins of peanuts contain a significant concentration of polyphenols, including flavonoids.

Supplements vs. Whole Foods

For therapeutic uses, supplements containing a micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) of 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin are common. This form offers a concentrated, standardized dose that is often higher than what can be realistically consumed through diet alone. However, the benefits of consuming whole foods extend beyond just a single compound. Whole fruits provide a complex matrix of vitamins, fiber, and other phytochemicals that work synergistically for health.

Comparison Table: Dietary Sources vs. Supplements


Feature	Dietary Sources (e.g., Citrus Fruits)	Diosmin/Hesperidin Supplements	Advantages	Disadvantages
Concentration	Variable, depends on part of the fruit and ripeness.	Standardized and concentrated dosages (e.g., 500mg).	Provides a full spectrum of nutrients and fiber.	Dosage is less controlled and inconsistent.
Format	Fresh fruit, zest, pulp, and juice.	Capsules, tablets, and powders.	Offers a more enjoyable and natural way to consume.	Does not contain other beneficial vitamins and fiber.
Absorption	May be lower and less consistent than micronized forms.	Micronized forms are designed for enhanced absorption.	Part of a balanced diet for overall wellness.	Does not require digestion of whole foods.
Cost	Generally lower for regular consumption.	Can be more expensive, especially for high-quality formulations.	Affordable and easily accessible.	Higher upfront cost.
Interaction	Generally safe; no known major interactions.	Can interact with certain medications, especially tamoxifen.	Minimizes risk of adverse interactions.	Potential for drug interactions, requires medical consultation.

How Diosmin and Hesperidin Benefit the Body

These bioflavonoids are particularly valued for their effects on the cardiovascular system. Diosmin improves venous tone and strengthens blood vessel walls, while hesperidin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Together, they can help protect blood vessels from damage and improve circulation, alleviating symptoms of conditions like chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids. Their antioxidant properties also combat oxidative stress, which contributes to overall well-being. For individuals with specific health concerns, especially related to venous health, a healthcare provider might recommend a supplement for a higher, more consistent dosage, but a flavonoid-rich diet is always a beneficial practice for prevention and general health maintenance.

Dietary Strategy for Maximum Flavonoid Intake

For those who prefer a food-first approach, a simple strategy involves regularly incorporating a variety of citrus and other flavonoid-rich foods. Consider starting your day with a glass of lemon water using the zest, having a handful of berries as a snack, or adding citrus zest to salad dressings. Pairing these foods with other nutrient-dense options ensures a wide range of beneficial plant compounds for optimal health. Combining a consistent dietary intake with a doctor-supervised supplement regimen can provide the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

In summary, the most abundant food sources of diosmin and hesperidin are citrus fruits, particularly in their peels and membranes. Other plant-based foods like buckwheat and fenugreek seeds contain related flavonoid compounds that contribute to a healthy intake. While these whole food sources offer numerous benefits, those seeking therapeutic effects may be directed toward supplements that provide a higher, more standardized dose. For anyone looking to improve vascular health and antioxidant status, consistently including a variety of these colorful fruits and plants in their diet is a simple yet powerful strategy..

Frequently Asked Questions

The best food source of hesperidin is the peel and pulp of citrus fruits, especially oranges. Concentrated hesperidin can be obtained by consuming the inner white membrane or zest of oranges.

Diosmin is naturally found in citrus fruits alongside hesperidin. However, due to its low concentration in food, it is most often taken as a supplement for therapeutic purposes, where it is often synthesized from hesperidin for consistency.

No, drinking only the juice is not an efficient way to get these bioflavonoids. The highest concentration is in the peel and pulp, which are removed during juicing. For better intake from juice, you would need to consume very high quantities.

Yes, other plants contain related flavonoids. For example, buckwheat is a good source of rutin, a precursor to diosmin. Fenugreek seeds and certain herbal plants also contain diosmin.

Dietary bioflavonoids provide a smaller, inconsistent dose but come with other health-promoting nutrients. Supplements offer a high, standardized, and easily absorbed dose, but lack the full nutritional profile of whole foods.

These bioflavonoids are commonly used to support vascular health and manage conditions involving blood vessel disorders. This includes hemorrhoids, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and lymphedema.

For general health, a diet rich in flavonoid-containing foods is beneficial. For treating specific medical conditions, a doctor may recommend supplements to achieve a higher, more consistent dosage under supervision.