Potential anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin from the genus Citrus.

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet for protecting against many diseases are usually attributed to high consumption of certain foods, characterized by the presence of bioactive substances such as polyphenols. Citrus fruits, which are cultivated and consumed worldwide, are typical products of the Mediterranean diet. Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases such as arthritis, allergies and neurodegenerative disorders, among others. Dietary polyphenols constitute a large family of bioactive substances with potential beneficial effects against a broad group of diseases. Citrus fruits and juices are a rich source of vitamin C and flavonoids, with a potential effect on the inflammatory response. Hesperidin is a flavonoid present in high concentration in citrus species and has numerous biological properties, principally antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Several studies have been performed in order to evaluate the effects of hesperidin as anti-inflammatory agent using cellular and animal models and few clinical trials. In the present review, available literature about the anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin is reported and discussed. Moreover, we also discuss the chemistry, bioavailability and proposed mechanisms of action of hesperidin.