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The flavonoid
hesperidin is a flavanone glycoside (glucoside)
comprised of the flavanone (a class of
flavonoids) hesperitin and the disaccharide
rutinose. Hesperidin is the predominant
flavonoid in lemons and oranges. The peel and
membranous parts of these fruits have the
highest hesperidin concentrations. Therefore,
orange juice containing pulp is richer in the
flavonoid than that without pulp. Sweet oranges
(Citrus sinensis) and tangelos are the richest
dietary sources of hesperidin. Hesperidin is
classified as a citrus bioflavonoid.
Hesperidin, in combination with a flavone
glycoside called diosmin, is used in Europe for
the treatment of venous insufficiency and
hemorrhoids. Hesperidin, rutin and other
flavonoids thought to reduce capillary
permeability and to have anti-inflammatory
action were collectively known as vitamin P.
These substances, however, are not vitamins and
are no longer referred to, except in older
literature, as vitamin P. |