# Flavanone

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/flavanone
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Dihydroflavones, 2,3-Dihydroflavones, Flavanone compounds, Citrus flavonoids, Dihydroflavanones

## Overview

Flavanones are a subclass of flavonoids found in citrus fruits, with hesperidin and naringenin being the most studied compounds. These polyphenolic compounds exhibit [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activities through modulation of cellular signaling pathways.

## Health Benefits

• No specific health benefits can be cited due to the lack of human clinical studies or meta-analyses for flavanones as a class.[1][2]

## Mechanism of Action

Flavanones like hesperidin and naringenin modulate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, reducing inflammatory cytokine production. They also activate Nrf2 transcription factor, enhancing [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) enzyme expression including [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) peroxidase and catalase. These compounds can inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes involved in inflammatory [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) synthesis.

## Clinical Summary

Currently, no human clinical studies or meta-analyses have specifically evaluated flavanones as a class for health outcomes. Most research on individual flavanones like hesperidin and naringenin consists of in vitro cell studies and animal models. The lack of controlled human trials prevents establishment of clinical efficacy or optimal dosing recommendations. Future clinical research is needed to validate the potential health benefits observed in preclinical studies.

## Nutritional Profile

Flavanones are a class of polyphenolic bioactive compounds, not a macronutrient or micronutrient source in themselves. They are secondary plant metabolites with a characteristic C6-C3-C6 flavonoid skeleton featuring a saturated C2-C3 bond and a chiral center at C-2. As a compound class rather than a food, they carry no caloric value, fat, protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Key representative flavanones include naringenin (found in grapefruit at ~25–50 mg per 100 mL juice), hesperetin (found in oranges at ~15–45 mg per 100 mL juice as its glycoside hesperidin), and eriodictyol (found in lemons and herbs). Typical dietary intake of total flavanones is estimated at 20–100 mg/day in Western diets, with citrus-consuming populations reaching higher levels. Bioavailability is notably limited and variable: flavanone glycosides (e.g., hesperidin, naringin) require gut microbial hydrolysis in the colon before absorption as aglycones, resulting in delayed absorption (peak plasma at 4–7 hours post-ingestion) and low overall bioavailability (generally <25% for hesperidin). Naringenin aglycone is absorbed more rapidly in the small intestine. Molecular weights range from approximately 272 g/mol (naringenin aglycone) to 610 g/mol (hesperidin glycoside). These compounds are primarily characterized by their [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity in vitro (ORAC values vary by structure), though translation to in vivo human benefit remains unestablished in clinical trials.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges or forms are available in the research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Flavanones from dietary sources are generally recognized as safe with no established adverse effects. Potential drug interactions may occur with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, as some flavanones can inhibit CYP3A4. High-dose supplementation safety profiles have not been established through clinical trials. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before using flavanone supplements beyond normal dietary intake.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier does not contain specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on flavanones. No PubMed PMIDs are available to reference for this compound.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier does not provide any information on the historical or traditional uses of flavanones.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Quercetin, Rutin, Hesperidin, Naringin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What foods contain the highest amounts of flavanones?

Citrus fruits contain the highest flavanone concentrations, with oranges providing 200-300mg hesperidin per fruit and grapefruits containing 150-250mg naringenin per serving. Orange juice and citrus peels are particularly rich sources.

### How much flavanone should I take daily?

No established daily dosage exists for flavanones due to lack of clinical studies. Typical dietary intake from citrus consumption ranges from 50-200mg daily. Supplement dosages vary widely without scientific validation.

### Can flavanones help with inflammation?

Laboratory studies show flavanones like hesperidin and naringenin reduce inflammatory markers through NF-κB pathway inhibition. However, no human clinical trials have confirmed anti-inflammatory benefits in people.

### Are flavanone supplements better than eating citrus fruits?

No evidence supports supplement superiority over whole citrus fruits. Citrus provides additional nutrients, fiber, and vitamin C alongside flavanones. Whole food sources offer better bioavailability and safety profiles.

### Do flavanones interact with blood pressure medications?

Flavanones may theoretically interact with calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors through CYP3A4 enzyme inhibition. Grapefruit flavanones specifically can increase drug concentrations. Consult healthcare providers before combining supplements with cardiovascular medications.

### What is the difference between flavanones and other types of flavonoids?

Flavanones are a subclass of flavonoids that share a common chemical structure characterized by a specific arrangement of carbon rings with a ketone group. While all flavanones are flavonoids, not all flavonoids are flavanones; other major flavonoid classes include flavones, flavanols, anthocyanidins, and isoflavones, each with distinct chemical structures. Flavanones are predominantly found in citrus fruits and have a sweet aromatic quality that distinguishes them from other flavonoid types.

### How does absorption of flavanones work in the digestive system?

Flavanones are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and require metabolism by gut microbiota in the colon to be converted into bioavailable compounds called phenolic acids. Individual variations in gut bacteria composition can significantly affect how much flavanone benefit a person derives from dietary or supplemental sources. Consuming flavanones with food and maintaining healthy gut microbiota may optimize their absorption and metabolic conversion.

### Is there a difference in flavanone content between fresh, frozen, and processed citrus products?

Fresh citrus fruits generally contain higher flavanone concentrations than processed juices and dried products, though processing methods vary in their impact on flavanone retention. Pasteurization and heat processing used in commercial juice production can degrade some flavanones, while freezing may better preserve flavanone content compared to long-term room temperature storage. Freshly squeezed citrus juice typically retains more flavanones than store-bought varieties that have undergone thermal processing.

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