Hesperidin potentiates ghrelin signaling

Hesperidin, a flavanone glycoside consisting of the flavone hesperitin bound to the disaccharide rutinose, is found in highly nutritious foods, such as oranges, tangelos, tangerines, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits. Exogenous hesperidin has been shown to influence a wide variety of biological functions, including induction of apoptosis and suppression of proliferation in human cancer cells; inhibition of tumor development in various tissues; and expression of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. Previous in vivo studies have revealed that hesperidin may play a role in ghrelin secretion from the stomach through antagonism of the serotonin receptors. Because ghrelin appears to be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of several human disorders, hesperidin could be a promising target for the treatment of various diseases. This review addresses studies focused on the orexigenic and prokinetic activities of hesperidin in the context of ghrelin secretion. This article also presents some promising patents of hesperidin.