Neuropharmacological properties and pharmacokinetics of the citrus flavonoids hesperidin and hesperetin--a mini-review.

Hesperidin (Hsd) and its aglycone, hesperetin (Hst), are two flavonoids from citrus species that have various biological properties. Over the past decade, a large number of papers have been published regarding the biological activities of these compounds and their molecular mechanisms. In this paper, we reviewed the neuropharmacology of Hsd and Hst as a recently emerged topic that has not been addressed in the past. Some of molecular targets and signaling pathways for neuropharmacological effects of Hst and Hsd, including antidepressant, neuroprotective and the effects of Hsd/Hst on memory, have also been included in the review. We also discussed the mechanisms of actions for antidepressant activities of Hsd and Hst. In addition, pharmacokinetics of Hsd and Hst, their interaction with some drugs such as atenolol, diltiazem, felodipine and verapamil, as well as related underlying mechanisms have been discussed.