Diosmin is a substance found naturally in a number of plants, including citrus fruits. First used therapeutically in the 1960s, it's widely available in dietary supplement form. Found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, diosmin is said to treat a variety of health conditions.

Diosmin is often referred to as a phlebotonic, a class of therapeutic agents used to improve the health of veins. It's also said to enhance the health of blood vessels.

In many cases diosmin is taken in combination with hesperidin, a compound found mainly in unripe citrus fruit. Diosmin can also be produced by extracting hesperidin from citrus rinds and modifying its components.

Uses for Diosmin

In alternative medicine, diosmin is typically used for following health problems:

• chronic venous insufficiency
• colitis 
• diabetes 
• hemorrhoids
• high blood pressure 
• lymphedema (swelling of the arms)
• premenstrual syndrome 
• varicose veins

In addition, diosmin is said to stimulate circulation, protect liver health, and reduce post-surgery swelling. Some proponents claim that it can also help fight cancer.

Health Benefits of Diosmin

A number of studies show that diosmin may help with certain health conditions. Here's a look at some key findings on diosmin and its potential health benefits:

1. Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Diosmin may help treat chronic venous insufficiency, according to a study published in the Serbian journal Acta Chirurgica Lugoslavica in 2008. A condition in which the veins do not effectively return blood from the legs to the heart, chronic venous insufficiency is associated with varicose veins, ankle swelling, and nighttime leg cramping.

The study included 80 patients with chronic venous insufficiency who had undergone no prior treatment for their condition. After 30 days of treatment with diosmin, the study members showed significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

2. Hemorrhoids

Several studies indicate that diosmin may be beneficial in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The most recent research includes a study published in the journal Surgeon in 2004. For the study, 268 patients with hemorrhoidal symptoms were treated with diosmin for four weeks. By the study's end, participants showed significant improvement in all symptoms (including pain and bleeding).

3. High Blood Pressure

Preliminary research suggests that diosmin may help keep blood pressure in check. In a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology in 2012, for instance, tests on rats determined that treatment with diosmin helped restore normal blood pressure to animals fed a high-salt diet.

Since clinical trials have yet to test diosmin's blood-pressure-lowering effects in humans, it's too soon to recommend diosmin for blood pressure control.

4. Diabetes

Diosmin shows promise in the treatment of diabetes, according to a preliminary study published in Chemico-Biological Interactions in 2012. In tests on diabetic rats, the study's authors found that diosmin may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce oxidative stress in patients with diabetes. However, more research is needed to determine whether diosmin can help treat diabetes in humans.

Caveats

Diosmin may trigger a number of side effects (including diarrhea, headache, and stomach pain).

It should also be noted that self-treating high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other chronic condition with diosmin and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.

Where To Find It

Diosmin supplements are sold in many natural-foods stores and drugstores. You can also purchase diosmin online.

Using Diosmin for Health

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend diosmin for any condition. It's also important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering using diosmin for any health purpose, make sure to consult your physician first.

Article courtesy of AltMedicine.About.com, found with sources, here.