hesperetin

Hesperetin is a naturally occurring flavanone found predominantly in citrus fruits as the aglycone of the glycoside hesperidin. It exhibits cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, hypolipidemic, vasoprotective and anticarcinogenic properties[1][5][6]. Mechanistically, hesperetin inhibits acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT1 and ACAT2) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), while upregulating LDL receptor expression. This results in reduced assembly/secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins and enhanced reuptake of these lipoproteins by cells—ultimately lowering cholesterol levels[1][3]. Hesperetin also modulates oxidative stress pathways (e.g., Nrf2), neuroinflammation (NF-kB), mitochondrial apoptosis signaling in neurodegenerative disease models such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy[5], and can induce apoptosis via ROS generation in cancer cell lines[6]. It is under investigation for cardiovascular health support and potential neuroprotective effects.

Other names

4'-methoxy-eriodictyol3',5,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavanone