Hesperidin Exerts Anxiolytic-like Effects in Rats with Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetes via PKA/CREB Signaling

Neuroprotective Potential of Hesperidin as Therapeutic Agent in the Treatment of Brain Disorders: Preclinical Evidence-based Review

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are progressive morbidities that represent a serious health issue in the aging world population. There is a contemporary upsurge in worldwide interest in the area of traditional remedies and phytomedicines are widely accepted by researchers due to their health-promoted effects and fewer side effects. Hesperidin, a flavanone glycoside present in the peels of citrus fruits, possesses various biological activities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. In various preclinical studies, hesperidin has provided significant protective actions in a variety of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, neuropathic pain, etc. as well as their underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate that the neuroprotective effects of hesperidin are mediated by modulating antioxidant defence activities and neural growth factors, diminishing apoptotic and neuro-inflammatory pathways. This review focuses on the potential role of hesperidin in managing and treating diverse brain disorders.

Promising influences of hesperidin and hesperetin against diabetes and its complications: a systematic review of molecular, cellular, and metabolic effects

Hesperidin and hesperetin, two flavonoids with potential therapeutic value, have been extensively studied in the context of diabetes management. The main objective of this research is to ascertain their potential as therapeutic options for managing diabetes and its complications. The present study utilized a systematic review methodology and comprehensively explored relevant literature from databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception until July 2023. The review summarized the outcomes related to the molecular, cellular, and metabolic effects of hesperidin and hesperetin in diabetes and its complications. Hesperetin exhibits a potential treatment for preventing diabetes and its associated complications through modulation of inflammatory cytokine release and expression via the pathway of signaling through Toll-like receptor/Myeloid differentiation factor 88/Nuclear factor-kappa B. Hesperidin shows promise as a biomolecule for treating diabetic neuropathy, primarily through activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), as an antioxidant-response element signaling, leading to neuroprotective effects. Both compounds demonstrated the ability to normalize blood glucose levels and reduce serum and liver lipid levels, making them potential candidates for managing hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia in diabetes. Hesperidin also showed potential benefits against diabetic nephropathy by suppressing transforming growth factor-β1-integrin-linked kinase-Akt signaling and enhancing renal function. Furthermore, hesperidin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressant effects in diabetic conditions expanded its potential therapeutic applications. This systematic review provides substantial evidence supporting the consideration of hesperidin and hesperetin for diabetes and its complications. It offers exciting possibilities for developing novel, cost-effective treatment options to enhance diabetes management and patient outcomes.

Glucosyl hesperidin exhibits more potent anxiolytic activity than hesperidin accompanied by the attenuation of noradrenaline induction in a zebrafish model

Anxiety is a symptom of various mental disorders, including depression. Severe anxiety can significantly affect the quality of life. Hesperidin (Hes), a flavonoid found in the peel of citrus fruits, reportedly has various functional properties, one of which is its ability to relieve acute and chronic stress. However, Hes is insoluble in water, resulting in a low absorption rate in the body and low bioavailability. Glucosyl hesperidin (GHes) is produced by adding one glucose molecule to hesperidin. Its water solubility is significantly higher than that of Hes, which is expected to improve its absorption into the body and enhance its effects. However, its efficacy in alleviating anxiety has not yet been investigated. Therefore, in this study, the anxiolytic effects of GHes were examined in a zebrafish model of anxiety. Long-term administration of diets supplemented with GHes did not cause any toxicity in the zebrafish. In the novel tank test, zebrafish in the control condition exhibited an anxious behavior called freezing, which was significantly suppressed in GHes-fed zebrafish. In the black-white preference test, which also induces visual stress, GHes-fed zebrafish showed significantly increased swimming time in the white side area. Furthermore, in tactile (low water-level stress) and olfactory-mediated stress (alarm substance administration test) tests, GHes suppressed anxious behavior, and these effects were stronger than those of Hes. Increased noradrenaline levels in the brain generally cause freezing; however, in zebrafish treated with GHes, the amount of noradrenaline after stress was lower than that in the control group. Activation of c-fos/ERK/Th, which is upstream of the noradrenaline synthesis pathway, was also suppressed, while activation of the CREB/BDNF system, which is vital for neuroprotective effects, was significantly increased. These results indicate that GHes has a more potent anxiolytic effect than Hes in vivo, which may have potential applications in drug discovery and functional food development.