Potential of Hesperidin in the Medicinal Field

Hesperidin has gained major interest recently due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The traction has led to more research being conducted on the compound hesperidin. Recent studies have shown its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral attributes, which have beneficial effects on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Hesperidin has also shown unique effects on the protein of SARS-CoV-2, which lead to a good preventative measure for SARS-CoV-2. Hesperidin also causes a suppression of appetite, which helps to combat obesity through the release of cholecystokinin. Furthermore, hesperidin has shown cardioprotective properties, which cause an increase in plasma high-density lipoprotein levels and a decrease in plasma low-density lipoprotein levels. Hesperidin is also used in combination with the Japanese herb Rikkunshito, which has shown potential in a discovery of a new drug for gastrointestinal motility as hesperidin can depolarize pacemaker potential in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The chemo-preventive effects of hesperidin are caused by its antioxidant effect, which may prevent tissue necrosis due to oxidative stress. The photo-protective effect of hesperidin can reduce the damage to the skin caused by UV rays. Hesperidin also possesses wound-healing properties.