Hesperidin and naringenin

Hesperidin and naringenin are heteropolycyclic, aromatic bioflavonoids with a wide range of therapeutic and physiological effects. Hesperidin is a flavanone glycoside, while naringenin exists as an aglycon. Both compounds are widely present in citrus fruits, grapefruits, tomatoes, and some other plants. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities are found to be the most important properties of these compounds and complement their protective effects against a plethora of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, neurodegeneration, diabetes, renal diseases, and skin damage. This chapter discusses the properties and therapeutic mechanisms/targets of hesperidin and naringenin in the treatment of various diseases. We have also discussed the metabolism and bioavailability of these flavanones in human and animal models. Besides, recent developments regarding the modulation and regulation of disease markers, clinical studies, and trial data assembled encourage future studies to develop improved clinical formulations for hesperidin and naringenin with better efficacy, bioavailability, delivery methods, and therapeutic potentials.