# Eriodictyol

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/eriodictyol
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** (S)-2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one, 3',4',5,7-Tetrahydroxyflavanone, Eriodictyol 7-O-glucoside, Yerba Santa Flavonoid, Citrus Flavanone, Holy Herb Extract, Mountain Balm Compound

## Overview

Eriodictyol is a flavanone compound found in citrus fruits that demonstrates potent antioxidant activity through hydroxyl group-mediated hydrogen donation to neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). This bioactive compound suppresses NF-κB signaling pathways and inhibits [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production in preclinical studies.

## Health Benefits

• Antioxidant activity through hydrogen donation from hydroxyl groups to neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (preclinical evidence only)
• Anti-inflammatory effects via NF-κB suppression and [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) inhibition (animal studies)
• Potential [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support as part of citrus flavanoid complexes, though a 2019 RCT (PMID: 30813460) found no significant lipid improvements
• Possible respiratory health benefits based on traditional use of eriodictyol-rich yerba santa (historical evidence only)
• Cellular protection through Nrf2 pathway activation for antioxidant enzyme expression (preclinical PMID: 29576462)

## Mechanism of Action

Eriodictyol exerts its antioxidant effects by donating hydrogen atoms from its hydroxyl groups at positions 3', 4', 5, and 7 to scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) including superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals. The compound suppresses inflammatory responses by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation and downstream production of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Additionally, eriodictyol modulates nitric oxide synthase activity and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in inflammatory pathways.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for eriodictyol comes primarily from in vitro cell culture studies and animal models, with no published human clinical trials available. Animal studies using doses of 10-50 mg/kg body weight have demonstrated significant reductions in [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers and oxidative stress parameters. Cell culture research shows IC50 values of 15-30 μM for [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) against DPPH radicals. The lack of human clinical data limits the ability to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing recommendations for health applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Eriodictyol is a pure flavanone compound (C15H12O6), not a whole food ingredient, therefore it contains no macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, or fiber as standalone components. Molecular weight: 288.25 g/mol. It is a flavanone-class polyphenol characterized by a 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone skeleton. Naturally occurring concentrations in food sources: lemon peel (~0.5–2.0 mg/100g fresh weight), yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum) leaves (~1–5% dry weight, the richest known source), orange peel (~0.1–0.8 mg/100g), and tomato skin (trace amounts, ~0.01–0.05 mg/100g). Bioavailability: oral bioavailability is moderate and highly variable; eriodictyol undergoes extensive first-pass colonic microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), being converted to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid and other phenolic acids by gut microbiota. Peak plasma concentrations following typical dietary exposure are low (estimated <1 µmol/L). Glucuronidated and sulfated conjugates are the predominant circulating forms post-absorption, detected in plasma within 1–2 hours of ingestion. Lipophilicity (logP ~1.9) limits aqueous solubility (~0.03 mg/mL at physiological pH), restricting passive absorption in the upper GI tract. No caloric contribution, no protein, no lipid, no carbohydrate content as an isolated compound.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages for isolated eriodictyol due to lack of human trials. Preclinical contexts suggest 50-100 mg/day in powder or extract form, often as part of citrus bioflavonoid complexes standardized to 5-20% flavanones. Commercial supplements use non-standardized forms without established therapeutic ranges. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No specific safety data exists for isolated eriodictyol supplementation in humans, though it appears naturally in citrus fruits consumed safely for centuries. Theoretical interactions may occur with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on platelet aggregation observed in animal studies. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid concentrated eriodictyol supplements due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with citrus allergies may experience cross-reactivity with eriodictyol-containing supplements.

## Scientific Research

No large-scale human randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses specifically on isolated eriodictyol exist in major databases. A 2019 RCT (PMID: 30813460) on citrus flavanones including eriodictyol in 60 hypercholesterolemic patients found no significant lipid improvements. Most evidence remains preclinical (in vitro/animal studies), with human data limited to observational studies on flavonoid-rich foods.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Eriodictyol-rich yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum) has been used in Native American and early Californian traditional medicine since the 19th century for respiratory issues like coughs and asthma, typically as tea or tincture. The compound lacks deep historical roots in traditional systems like Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

Hesperidin, Naringenin, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Rutin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What foods contain eriodictyol naturally?

Eriodictyol is found primarily in citrus fruits including lemons, limes, and oranges, with concentrations ranging from 2-15 mg per 100g of fruit. It's also present in smaller amounts in mint leaves and certain medicinal herbs like yerba santa.

### How much eriodictyol should I take daily?

No established human dosage exists for eriodictyol supplements since clinical trials haven't been conducted. Animal studies used 10-50 mg/kg body weight, but this cannot be directly extrapolated to human recommendations without safety data.

### Can eriodictyol help with heart disease?

Animal studies suggest eriodictyol may support cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, but no human clinical trials have tested its effects on heart disease. Current evidence is too preliminary to make therapeutic claims.

### Is eriodictyol better than other flavonoids?

Eriodictyol shows potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 15-30 μM against DPPH radicals, comparable to quercetin and other well-studied flavonoids. However, direct comparative human studies are lacking to determine superior efficacy.

### Does eriodictyol have side effects?

No documented side effects exist for eriodictyol specifically, though high doses in animal studies occasionally caused mild gastrointestinal upset. Citrus-allergic individuals might experience reactions to eriodictyol supplements due to potential cross-reactivity.

### What does clinical research show about eriodictyol's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for eriodictyol comes from preclinical and animal studies demonstrating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. A 2019 randomized controlled trial (PMID: 30813460) found that eriodictyol, as part of a citrus flavonoid complex, did not produce significant improvements in lipid profiles in human participants. Human clinical data remains limited, and stronger evidence is needed before definitive claims can be made about its efficacy in supplemental doses.

### Is eriodictyol safe for children or during pregnancy?

There is insufficient safety data on eriodictyol supplementation specifically in children or during pregnancy to establish clear recommendations. As a naturally occurring flavonoid found in citrus fruits, eriodictyol is generally recognized as safe in food sources, but concentrated supplement use in these populations has not been adequately studied. Healthcare providers should be consulted before using eriodictyol supplements during pregnancy or for children.

### Does eriodictyol interact with common medications?

Limited data exists on specific drug interactions with eriodictyol supplements in humans. As a flavonoid with potential effects on oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, there is theoretical potential for interactions with blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, though this has not been clinically confirmed. Anyone taking prescription medications should discuss eriodictyol supplementation with their healthcare provider before use.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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