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Benzos Hesperidin potentiates benzodiazepines

killakillakam

Bluelighter
Joined
Apr 12, 2005
Messages
141
Hesperidin is found in Valerian and the skin of citrus fruits (oranges).

Unfortunately, I have not seen much discussion about it; so i thought I'd bring it up. Especially since it is readily available in the US and Europe.

It was first brought to my attention when i learned that it synergizes with diazepam.
LINK

The points to take home are that it is believed to be an opioid and has both sedative and antinociceptive (painkilling) properties.

Other links:
Study about pain (although, this does not imply the analgesia is the same as other opioids)
Here is a mice study showing all of the above

A lot of you are using Valerian for withdrawals, perhaps you could out the middle man and find some hesperidin instead.

Anyone had any experiences they can speak on?
 
I wonder if this is what is in high concentrates in grapefruits that make them unsuitable for eating when on benzo's?
Anyways, this is really interesting - you might want to cross-post or have a mod move it to ADD as those guys really know their chemistry and biology.
 
The big grapefruit one is called naringin and is metabolized to naringenin while hesperidin also present in citrus as per above goes to hesperetin, Both of these inhibit some P450s and can potentiate any drug which is usually metabolized by the inhibited enzyme.
 
With all due respect Amapola...

As far as I know Hesperidin has little if nothing at all to do with enzyme mediated potentiation.

The point is that Hesperidin maybe a psychoactive substance on its own. e.g. taking valium with hesperidin may be equivalent to taking a weak version of lorazepam/codeine with valium.

Naringenin and hesperidin are found in oranges as well. Oranges do not potentiate benzos unfortunately. I believe that Naringenin works on CYP1A2 but I'm not sure how or to what extent.

Hesperidin is much less researched and much more of an enigma due to its possible effects on opiod/adenosine receptors.

I believe you are thinking of Bergamottin, which is found in grapefruits and bergamot exclusively. It is strong/moderate inhibitor of 3A4 and that is why it works with some benzos.
 
^My apologies for responding without properly reading your post. I must have been on some sort of rattle them off quantity over quality run and after seeing the words citrus and potentiate... One of the downsides of moderating.

Anyways I haven't had a chance to delve into the papers yet, but after a brief perusal of the abstracts the one thing that stuck out was that the effects of Hesperidin were reversed (or at least some effects partially reduced) by the administration of naltrexone but naloxone had no effect. Well it had effect on the preparation predicted to have Hesperidin as the active ingredient eh? I'll have to read later.

Thank you for reposting in this thread though and the articles do look quite interesting and I'll be sure to check them out.
 
So is this hesperidin a supliment that you can buy at a pharmacy or is by rx only? And would valerian potenate benzos as well?
 
Hesperidin is available as a health supplement. In stores you will usually find in the grapefruit bioflavonoids mixes. However, on its own its available on the internet and there used to be a bulk powder that was discontinued.

I would suggest around a 500mg - 1g to start. It feels quite like Valerian on its own. However, I can confirm that euphoria and sedation is increased when combined with benzos in a unique way.

Edit:
Sorry just to address your question about Valerian and Benzos. In my experience Valerian increases CNS depression with benzos but does not produce the positive effects of hesperidin. Keep in mind benzos are different and mix differently; so results will vary.
 
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