What are the benefits of diosmin? What is the recommended dosage for diosmin? What are the potential side effects of diosmin? Get answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive article.

What is Diosmin?

Diosmin is a flavonoid most commonly found in citrus fruits. Flavonoids are plant compounds that have antioxidant properties, which protect your body from inflammation and unstable molecules called free radicals (1, 2). Diosmin was first isolated from the figwort plant (Scrophularia nodosa L.) in 1925 and has been used since 1969 as a natural therapy to treat various conditions, such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, leg ulcers, and other circulatory issues (2).

It’s believed to help reduce inflammation and restore normal blood flow in people with venous insufficiency, a condition in which blood flow is impaired (2). Today, diosmin is widely derived from another flavonoid called hesperidin, which is also found in citrus fruits — especially orange rinds (2).

What is Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF)?

Diosmin is often combined with micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF), a group of flavonoids that includes disomentin, hesperidin, linarin, and isorhoifolin (3). Most diosmin supplements contain 90% diosmin with 10% hesperidin and are labeled MPFF. In most cases, the terms “diosmin” and “MPFF” are used interchangeably (3).

Where is Diosmin Available?

This supplement is available over the counter in the United States, Canada, and some European countries. Depending on your location, it may be called Diovenor, Daflon, Barosmin, citrus flavonoids, Flebosten, Litosmil, or Venosmine (4, 5).

What are the Uses of Diosmin?

Diosmin is most widely used to treat blood vessel disorders, such as hemorrhoids and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located near the anus, while CVI refers to swollen, blocked veins in the legs (6, 7). People may also take diosmin for other blood vessel disorders, including varicose veins, blood clots, retinal hemorrhage (bleeding in the retina of the eye), venous leg ulcers, and venous stasis (slow blood flow in the legs) (8, 9).

How Does Diosmin Work?

Research suggests that this compound may reduce inflammation in the veins and thus improve blood flow (2). Diosmin treats conditions like chronic venous disease by reducing inflammation, improving the health of veins, and increasing blood and lymphatic circulation (3, 19, 20, 21).

Diosmin for Hemorrhoids

Numerous studies suggest that diosmin helps treat internal and external hemorrhoids. In a review of 24 studies in over 2,300 people, plant flavonoids like diosmin decreased hemorrhoid-related itchiness, bleeding, discharge, and other hemorrhoid symptoms (10). Other studies reveal similar improvements in hemorrhoid symptoms. Additionally, diosmin has been shown to reduce recovery time following a hemorrhoidectomy, or surgical removal of hemorrhoids (3, 11, 12, 13). However, most improvements are seen in people in the early stages of hemorrhoid disease, and diosmin may not be as effective as other hemorrhoid treatments (11, 12, 14, 15).

Diosmin for Chronic Venous Disease

A 2012 review of 10 studies concluded that moderate evidence supports the use of MPFF (diosmin) to improve chronic venous disease (CVD) symptoms, such as leg ulcers, edema, varicose veins, tingling sensation, general quality of life, and subjective pain ratings (16). A 2016 review and 2018 meta-analysis supported these findings, showing diosmin reduced leg heaviness, swelling, cramps, and restless leg syndrome (17, 18). However, a 2017 study in 1,051 people noted that diosmin wasn’t as effective at treating CVD symptoms as other medications, such as Venoruton (Novartis) and Pycnogenol (pine bark extract). Other studies report similar findings (22, 23, 24).

Diosmin for Back Pain

In one study, 300 people reported minor improvements in back pain after taking 900 mg of diosmin 3 times daily for 2 weeks, followed by the same dose twice daily for 2 weeks, then a maintenance dose of 450 mg twice daily for 1 month (25). However, compared with a control group taking mannitol and dexamethasone, diosmin was not more effective at reducing subjective back pain (25). More research is needed to understand if diosmin aids back pain compared with more established treatments.

Other Potential Uses of Diosmin

Some people take diosmin for other conditions, including lymphedema (swelling of the lymphatic system), varicocele (pain and enlargement of veins in the scrotum), minor bleeding, pelvic pain, and rosacea. Diosmin is a known anti-inflammatory compound and may work to treat some of these inflammatory and circulation disorders. Although small studies have shown some positive results for treating symptoms of lymphedema, varicocele, minor nasal bleeds, and pelvic pain, larger studies are needed before widespread recommendations can be made.