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REVIEW article

Front. Nutr.

Sec. Nutrition and Metabolism

This article is part of the Research TopicBeyond the Plate: The Role of Diet and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neurodegenerative DiseasesView all 4 articles

Harnessing hesperidin for brain metabolism: Epigenetic signatures, cellular homeostasis, synaptic function, and neuroprotection in age‐related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases

Provisionally accepted
Wei  ZhaoWei Zhao1*Wenwu  HongWenwu Hong2Yingying  CaoYingying Cao3
  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, Zhejiang, China, Taizhou, China
  • 2Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
  • 3Tiantai Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Taizhou, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

Age-associated neurodegenerative disorders constitute a considerable global health concern, distinguished by a progressive deterioration in cognitive function, synaptic impairment, and disrupted cellular homeostasis. Recent research has identified hesperidin (HSP), a bioactive flavonoid predominantly present in citrus fruits, as a potentially valuable neurotherapeutic compound due to its diverse molecular mechanisms of action. This review aims to consolidate existing literature regarding HSP's ability to influence epigenetic modifications, augment synaptic plasticity, and restore cellular equilibrium in the aging central nervous system. We investigate the manner in which HSP affects critical epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. Therefore it modulates gene expression essential for neuroprotection and lifespan extension. Furthermore, we examine the role of HSP in the preservation of synaptic integrity and neurotransmission, which are crucial for cognitive resilience in the face of age-related deterioration. The review further clarifies the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of HSP, which together promote neuronal viability and alleviate neurodegenerative pathology. By synthesizing mechanistic insights and preclinical evidence, this article underscores the potential of HSP as a natural compound for both the prevention and adjunctive treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, thereby advocating for translational research aimed at realizing its full therapeutic efficacy.

Keywords: Hesperidin, brain metabolism, Synaptic Function, Neuroprotection, age‐related diseases

Received: 15 Sep 2025; Accepted: 28 Oct 2025.

Copyright: © 2025 Zhao, Hong and Cao. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Wei Zhao, wei.zhao1590@gmail.com

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.