Evidence supporting the use of: Flavanones (various)
For the health condition: Diabetic Retinopathy
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Flavanones, a subclass of flavonoids found in citrus fruits and some medicinal plants, have attracted attention for their potential benefits in diabetic retinopathy (DR). The primary scientific rationale centers on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective properties, which are relevant to the pathogenesis of DR—a condition marked by oxidative stress, inflammation, and microvascular damage in the retina. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that flavanones such as hesperidin and naringenin can attenuate retinal oxidative damage, reduce vascular leakage, and inhibit inflammatory mediators in animal models of diabetes. For example, research published in journals like "Molecular Vision" and "Phytotherapy Research" has reported retinal protection and improvement in retinal function in diabetic rodents treated with flavanone-rich extracts or isolated compounds. However, direct clinical evidence in humans remains limited. While some small-scale human studies and pilot trials suggest possible benefits in retinal microcirculation and oxidative markers, robust, large-scale randomized controlled trials specifically assessing the impact of flavanones on diabetic retinopathy progression are lacking. Thus, while the use of flavanones for DR is grounded in plausible mechanisms and supportive animal data, its application in clinical practice is not yet substantiated by high-level evidence.
More about Flavanones (various)
More about Diabetic Retinopathy
Other ingredients used for Diabetic Retinopathy
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrinanthocyanins
astaxanthin
bilberry
black currant
blueberry
chlorella
chokeberry
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
flavonols
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
hesperidin
l-carnosine
lutein
lycopene
mixed carotenoids
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rutin
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
tocotrienols
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
ferulic acid
polyphenols
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
Apocynin
Astragalin
Boswellic Acid
Benfotiamine
Bioflavonoids
Baicalin
Beta-glucogallin
Caffeic Acid
Carnosine
Cyanidin
Curcuminoid
Crocetin
Delphinidin
Dihydrolipoic Acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Flavonoids
Other health conditions supported by Flavanones (various)
Alzheimer's DiseaseArteriosclerosis
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Fatigue
Gastritis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Osteoporosis
Stress
Triglycerides (high)