What Fruits Are High in Diosmin?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, diosmin is a flavonoid found predominantly in citrus fruits and is known for its venotonic and antioxidant properties. Knowing what fruits are high in diosmin is valuable for those aiming to support their circulatory health through dietary choices.

Quick Summary

This guide explains which fruits are natural sources of the flavonoid diosmin, highlighting citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, as well as the importance of incorporating these into a balanced diet to promote vascular health.

Key Points

Citrus Fruits Are Primary Sources: Diosmin is predominantly found in citrus fruits, with higher concentrations often present in the peel and pith.
Orange Rinds Are Key: Orange peels, in particular, are a well-known source, with extracts commonly used to create diosmin supplements.
Rutin is a Precursor: The flavonoid rutin, found in buckwheat and some fruits, can be a precursor to diosmin.
Supplements Offer Higher Doses: While dietary intake is healthy, therapeutic doses of diosmin are typically achieved through concentrated supplements, not whole fruits alone.
Dietary Balance is Important: Incorporate a variety of fruits, including berries rich in other flavonoids, for comprehensive nutritional benefits.
Consult a Doctor for Supplements: It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using diosmin supplements, especially if taking other medications.

Exploring the Primary Sources of Diosmin

Diosmin is a beneficial plant compound, or bioflavonoid, that has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly related to circulatory health. While widely available in supplement form, it is naturally present in certain fruits, primarily belonging to the citrus family. The concentration of diosmin, however, can vary significantly depending on the fruit part, with the peel often containing higher levels than the pulp.

Citrus Fruits: The Foremost Source

When identifying what fruits are high in diosmin, citrus varieties are the most prominent and reliable sources. The flavonoid is often concentrated in the white spongy layer of the peel, known as the pith or albedo. The most notable citrus options include:

Oranges (Citrus sinensis): Oranges are a well-known source of bioflavonoids like diosmin and hesperidin. While the juicy pulp offers some benefits, the majority of the flavonoid content is in the peel, making the most potent extracts derived from orange rinds.
Lemons (Citrus limon): Similar to oranges, lemons contain valuable amounts of diosmin in their peels. Lemon juice also contains this flavonoid, though in lower concentrations compared to the peel. Different lemon cultivars may show varying flavonoid levels.
Grapefruits (Citrus paradisi): This citrus fruit also contains diosmin, among other beneficial flavonoids like naringin. As with other citrus, the peel is a richer source than the pulp. However, it is important to note that grapefruit can interact with certain medications, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Tangerines (Citrus reticulata): Tangerines and other related citrus species, such as bitter oranges, are also recognized sources of diosmin and other bioflavonoids.

Other Natural Sources Containing Diosmin Precursors

Beyond the primary citrus sources, diosmin is also sometimes obtained from plant-based precursors. For example, rutin is a compound found in various plants, including citrus fruits, buckwheat, and apples, that can serve as a precursor to diosmin.

Considerations for Dietary Intake

It is crucial to understand that consuming whole fruits, while healthy, may not provide diosmin in the concentrations found in concentrated supplements. Commercial diosmin, often combined with hesperidin in a 9:1 ratio known as Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF), is typically extracted and processed from citrus rinds to achieve therapeutic dosages. Therefore, while diet can contribute to your flavonoid intake, targeted therapeutic use of diosmin usually requires supplements under medical supervision.

Comparison of Diosmin-Rich Fruits and Related Sources


Source	Primary Part Containing Diosmin	Relative Diosmin Content	Best for...
Oranges	Pith and Peel	High (especially in peel)	General flavonoid intake via food
Lemons	Pith and Peel	High (especially in peel)	Boosting flavonoid intake in drinks or zest
Grapefruits	Pith and Peel	Moderate to High	Dietary variety, with medication caution
Tangerines	Pith and Peel	Moderate to High	Flavonoid intake from sweet citrus
Buckwheat (Rutin source)	Grain	Contains Diosmin precursor (Rutin)	Non-citrus flavonoid source
Dietary Supplements	Extracted and Concentrated	Very High	Targeted, therapeutic dosage

The Importance of a Diverse Diet

While focusing on diosmin sources is valuable, it is essential to maintain a diverse diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Many other fruits, such as blueberries and other berries, are rich in different types of flavonoids and antioxidants that contribute to overall health, including cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. A balanced approach ensures you receive a broad spectrum of nutrients rather than relying on a single compound.

Conclusion: Making Informed Dietary Choices

When seeking to increase your intake of diosmin through diet, citrus fruits, particularly their peels and pith, are the most reliable natural sources. Integrating fruits like oranges, lemons, and tangerines into your daily routine is a healthy way to add this beneficial flavonoid to your diet. However, for those seeking higher, more concentrated doses for specific therapeutic purposes, commercial supplements derived from these citrus rinds are the standard. Always consider the overall nutritional value of your diet and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

For more in-depth information on flavonoids and their health benefits, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an excellent resource, often citing clinical studies and reviews on the pharmacology of compounds like diosmin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and tangerines are the most prominent citrus fruits containing diosmin, with the highest concentrations typically found in the peel and pith.

No, consuming whole fruits provides a healthy intake of flavonoids, but it is unlikely to reach the higher, targeted dosages used in therapeutic applications. For these, supplements derived from concentrated citrus extracts are used.

Diosmin can be manufactured from another citrus flavonoid called hesperidin, but other plant-based precursors like rutin, found in buckwheat, can also provide diosmin.

The diosmin in fruit is in its natural form and is part of a complex matrix of plant compounds. Supplements, particularly Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF), contain a higher, standardized, and more concentrated dose for targeted health benefits.

Diosmin has been shown to have venotonic (improving vein tone) and antioxidant properties. It is often used to support circulation and is studied for treating conditions like hemorrhoids and chronic venous insufficiency.

While citrus peels contain high levels of flavonoids, they can also contain pesticides and are not typically eaten in large quantities. The best way to use the peel is as zest in recipes, but concentrated supplements are the standard for high intake.

Hesperidin is another bioflavonoid found in citrus fruits, especially orange rinds. Diosmin is commonly manufactured from hesperidin for use in supplements, and the two are often combined to enhance their synergistic effects on blood vessel health.