RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Hesperidin RCT in MS

This study is investigating if a natural substance called hesperidin, commonly found in citrus fruits like oranges, can help people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to feel better. MS can cause fatigue (extreme tiredness) and problems with thinking and memory. While there are treatments for MS, scientists are looking for other safe ways to manage these daily symptoms. In this research, some participants will receive daily hesperidin supplements, while others will receive a plain dummy pill (placebo) for 12 weeks. Neither the participants nor the healthcare team will know who is getting which. The main aim is to see if hesperidin reduces tiredness, but the study will also look at whether it helps with thinking skills and stress levels.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Swansea University

Enrolment target

Start

07 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

18 Jan 2027

Multiple Sclerosis

What is this study about?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition that affects your brain and spinal cord. It happens when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including feeling very tired (fatigue), having trouble with memory or clear thinking, and experiencing stress. Even though there are medicines to treat MS, doctors are always looking for extra ways to help manage these day-to-day symptoms, especially options that are safe and easy to access.

Hesperidin is a natural substance found in citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons. Early studies in animals with a condition similar to MS have shown that hesperidin might help reduce the seriousness of the illness. This is likely because hesperidin has properties that can help calm inflammation (swelling) in the body and protect cells from damage. However, we don't yet know if these promising results in animals also apply to people with MS.

This study aims to find out if taking hesperidin supplements can make a difference for people living with MS. Researchers will be carefully observing if it helps to reduce fatigue, improve thinking abilities, and lower stress levels over 12 weeks. This research is important because if hesperidin is found to be helpful, it could offer a simple, natural way for people with MS to manage some of their challenging symptoms.

Key takeaways

The study explores if hesperidin, from citrus fruits, can help with MS symptoms.
It focuses on improving fatigue, thinking skills, and stress.
Participants will take either hesperidin or a dummy pill for 12 weeks.
Neither you nor the researchers will know which you are taking.
No in-person visits are expected for this remote study.
This research aims to find safe ways to manage daily MS challenges.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and be 18 years old or older. The study is open to both men and women.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have any known allergies to certain foods or if you have significant problems with your stomach or digestion, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you are under 18 years old, you wouldn't be eligible for this specific study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have any food allergies or significant stomach problems?
Are you comfortable committing to taking a daily supplement for 12 weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be involved for a total of 12 weeks. This study is mainly done remotely, meaning you might not need to visit a clinic in person very often.

You will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive a daily supplement of 500mg of hesperidin, and the other group will receive a daily dummy pill (placebo). Neither you nor the study team will know which you are receiving, which helps make the study results fair and accurate. You will take this assigned supplement once a day for the full 12 weeks. Throughout this time, you will be asked to complete questionnaires or tasks that measure your fatigue levels, how well you are thinking, and your mood. Researchers will compare your information at the beginning of the study with your information at 12 weeks to see if there are any changes.

Potential risks and benefits

Any medication or supplement carries potential risks, though hesperidin is generally considered safe. However, as with any study, unexpected side effects could occur. The potential benefits include a possible reduction in fatigue, improved thinking skills, and better mood if hesperidin proves effective. It's important to remember that this is a research study, and there's no guarantee you will experience any benefits. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

FHMLS, Nutrition Lab
Verified postcode
Swansea, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is hesperidin?

Hesperidin is a natural substance found in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. It's thought to have properties that could help with inflammation and cell protection.

What is a placebo?

A placebo is a 'dummy pill' that looks exactly like the real treatment but contains no active ingredients. It helps researchers understand if any effects are truly from the active substance or from other factors.

Why is this study 'double-blind'?

Double-blind means neither you nor the research team will know if you're taking hesperidin or the placebo. This helps prevent any bias and ensures the results are as accurate as possible.

How long will I be in the study?

If you join, you will be part of the study for 12 weeks, taking your assigned supplement daily.

Will I have to go to a clinic?

This study is planned to be largely remote, meaning many of the assessments can be done from home rather than needing frequent clinic visits.

How to find out more

Hayley Young, PhD

h.a.young@swansea.ac.uk +44 (0) 1792 295908 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.