Clear evidence. Transparent sources. Practical guidance. Our evidence policyContact
Food Health Lab
Home › Supplements › Antioxidants › Citrus bioflavonoids

Citrus bioflavonoids

Rutin, hesperidin, diosmin — the vitamin-C companions with a real niche in vein health.

Reviewed by Bodil Isaksson, Licensed Biomedical Scientist (Sweden)Last reviewed July 2026Supplement guide

SupplementsAntioxidantsCirculationVeins

“Bioflavonoids” is an umbrella term for plant flavonoids, classically the ones in citrus pith — rutin, hesperidin, diosmin and quercetin. Long sold alongside vitamin C, their clearest evidence is for veins.

Key takeaways

  • A family of plant flavonoids (rutin, hesperidin, diosmin, quercetin), traditionally paired with vitamin C.
  • Best evidence: diosmin/hesperidin for chronic venous insufficiency and haemorrhoids — reducing swelling and symptoms.1
  • General “antioxidant” and immune claims are modest and less proven.
  • Generally safe and well tolerated.

What they are

Bioflavonoids are polyphenols found in the white pith and segments of citrus fruit and many plants. They support capillary integrity and vascular tone, and act as antioxidants.

The evidence

The strongest data are for flavonoid fractions (diosmin + hesperidin) in chronic venous insufficiency (heavy, aching legs, swelling) and haemorrhoids, where reviews of phlebotonic flavonoids show symptom relief.1 Broader antioxidant/immune benefits are less well supported.

Dose & how to use

Vein formulas typically use micronised diosmin/hesperidin ~500–1000 mg/day; general citrus-bioflavonoid supplements 500–1000 mg, often with vitamin C.

Safety & who benefits

Well tolerated. Most useful for venous insufficiency, varicose-vein symptoms and haemorrhoids; less compelling as a general antioxidant.

Bottom line: a genuine niche in vein and haemorrhoid symptoms (diosmin/hesperidin) — less impressive as a general antioxidant, but safe and cheap.

References

Adult research summary for education, not a prescription. These are food supplements, not treatments for disease.

  1. Martinez-Zapata MJ, et al. Phlebotonics for venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. www.cochrane.org

This article summarises nutrition science for education. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice; consult a professional before starting a supplement, in pregnancy, or alongside medication.