Thailand Doctors and Researchers Discover That Hesperidin from Citrus Helps Reverse Kidney Cell Damage
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 21, 2025 1 hour, 52 minutes ago
Thailand Doctors: Citrus Power and Kidney Health
A new study by scientists from Khon Kaen University in Thailand has revealed that hesperidin, a natural compound found in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, may help reverse damage in kidney cells caused by oxidative stress. This exciting discovery points to a potential natural treatment for early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that affects millions worldwide.
Hesperidin from citrus fruits shows promise in repairing oxidatively damaged kidney cells and reducing
signs of cellular aging, offering hope for future CKD therapies.
CKD is a slow-progressing illness that worsens over time, partly due to oxidative stress—a harmful imbalance between free radicals and the body’s antioxidant defenses. The team comprising of
Thailand Doctors and researchers from the Department of Biochemistry, the Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention Unit (CKDNET), and other affiliated centers at Khon Kaen University, wanted to see if hesperidin could help heal kidney cells already damaged by this stress. According to this
Medical News report, they used human kidney cells called HK-2, exposed them to hydrogen peroxide to mimic oxidative injury, and then treated them with hesperidin.
How Hesperidin Works on Kidney Cells
The researchers found that hesperidin not only increased the survival of damaged kidney cells but also activated important genes linked to longevity and antioxidant protection. These included:
-SIRT1 – a gene associated with slowing aging and protecting cells.
-MnSOD – a powerful antioxidant enzyme that defends against damaging molecules.
-KL (Klotho) – a protein linked to anti-aging and kidney health.
At the same time, hesperidin lowered the levels of β-galactosidase, a gene linked to cellular aging and senescence. Essentially, hesperidin helped revive cells by reducing their stress levels and enhancing their natural repair systems.
Even though the hesperidin treatment didn’t fully restore the cells to their original state, the improvements were still significant. The hesperidin-treated cells showed stronger antioxidant responses and less signs of aging compared to those that received no treatment after the oxidative stress.
Why This Matters for CKD Patients
The findings suggest hesperidin could serve as a future supplement to delay the progression of CKD, especially in its early stages. It also highlights hesperidin’s potential as part of natural therapies targeting oxidative stress and premature cell aging—two factors that play major roles in many chronic diseases.
The study also confirms that hesperidin is safe, as previous trials in humans have already shown benefits for blood pressure and weight control. Future research will ne
ed to look at hesperidin in animal models or clinical settings, but this is a strong first step.
While hesperidin may not be a cure, it could become a helpful natural ally in maintaining kidney health and preventing long-term damage. With its antioxidant power and ability to boost the body’s internal defense mechanisms, hesperidin could one day be part of daily health routines for people at risk of kidney disease.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Biomedicines
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/12/3016
For the latest on treating chronic kidney disease, news, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/nephrology-(kidneys)
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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