BACKGROUND: The benefits of the Mediterranean diet for protecting against many 
diseases are usually attributed to high consumption of certain foods, 
characterized by the presence of bioactive substances such as polyphenols. 
Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases 
such as arthritis, allergies or neurodegenerative disorders. Dietary polyphenols 
constitute a large family of bioactive substances with potential beneficial 
effects against a broad group of diseases. Citrus fruits and juices are a rich 
source of vitamin C and flavonoids, with a potential effect on the inflammatory 
response.
OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evidence the potential anti-inflammatory effects of 
the flavonoids hesperidin for its possible therapeutic application against 
diverse pathologies.
METHOD: In the present review, available literature about the anti-inflammatory 
effects of hesperidin is reported and discussed. Moreover, we also discuss the 
chemistry, bioavailability and proposed mechanisms of action of hesperidin.
RESULTS: Hesperidin is a flavonoid present in high concentration in citrus 
species and has numerous biological properties, principally antioxidant and 
anti-inflammatory. Several studies have been performed in order to evaluate the 
effects of hesperidin as anti-inflammatory agent using cellular and animal 
models and few clinical trials. Hesperidin treatment decreased inflammatory 
mediators and exerted significant antioxidant effects. The molecular basis for 
its anti-inflammatory effects seems to be mediated by signalling pathways 
especially the nuclear factor κβ pathway.
CONCLUSION: Although hesperidin evidenced anti-inflammatory effects, the 
specific mechanism of action is not completely known and additional studies are 
required for elucidation of the molecular targets.