The Health Benefits of Diosmin

Although oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruit are known to be an excellent source of vitamin C, these fruit also contain diosmin, a little-known flavonoid compound found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Diosmin is often referred to as a phlebotonic, a class of therapeutic agents used to improve the health of veins. It's also said to enhance the health of other types of blood vessels.

First used therapeutically in the 1960s, diosmin is widely available in dietary supplement form. In many cases, diosmin is taken in combination with hesperidin, another citrus fruit flavonoid. A supplement known as "micronized purified flavonoid fraction", or MPFF, is a combination of diosmin with hesperidin, typically in a 9:1 ratio. Diosmin can also be produced by extracting hesperidin from citrus rinds and modifying its components.

Diosmin is sometimes used as a remedy for the following health concerns:

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Diabetes
• Hemorrhoids
• High blood pressure
• Lymphedema (swelling of the arms)
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Ulcerative colitis
• Varicose veins

In addition, diosmin is said to stimulate circulation, protect liver health, and reduce post-surgery swelling.

A number of studies suggest that diosmin may help with certain health conditions. Here's a look at some key findings on diosmin and its potential health benefits:

Chronic venous disease refers to conditions that affect the veins of the legs. For instance, chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins do not effectively return blood from the legs to the heart, and is associated with varicose veins, ankle swelling, and nighttime leg cramping.

Diosmin and hesperidin may help to treat chronic venous disease, according to a study published in the journal Phlebology. The study included 136 people with chronic venous disease. After treatment with micronized diosmin and hesperidin (or other treatments or a placebo), reductions in fluid volume in the leg were more frequent in those taking diosmin and hesperidin.

Several studies indicate that diosmin and other flavonoids may be beneficial in the treatment of hemorrhoids. For instance, a study published in Techniques in Coloproctology evaluated the effectiveness of diosmin, hesperidin, and troxerutin in people with acute hemorrhoids. After 12 days of treatment, pain, bleeding, and the proportion of people who reported persisting swelling and thrombosis decreased significantly in those taking the flavonoid mixture.

Diosmin may trigger a number of side effects including diarrhea, headache, and stomach pain. In one case report, diosmin was associated with elevated creatine phosphokinase levels and serum lactic dehydrogenase.

Diosmin may interact with medications, such as the antihistamine fexofenadine, the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine, and anticoagulant medication (sometimes known as "blood thinners").

It should also be noted that self-treating any condition with diosmin and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.

Diosmin is sold in capsules and tablets, and is often included in combination with other supplements. There is no daily recommended allowance for diosmin. The following doses have been studied in specific conditions:

• Chronic Venous Disease: 900 mg of diosmin plus 100 mg of hesperidin daily for up to 2 months.
• Hemorrhoids: 1350 mg of diosmin plus 150 mg of hesperidin twice daily for 4 days followed by 900 mg of diosmin and 100 mg of hesperidin twice daily for 3 days.

Diosmin supplements are sold in many natural-foods stores and drugstores. You can also purchase diosmin online.

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend diosmin supplements for any condition. If you're still considering using diosmin, make sure to consult your healthcare provider first.