Absorption and elimination of (14C) hesperidin methylchalcone in the rat.

Hesperidin methylchalcone resorption and excretion were studied in rats, using 14C-labelling. The level of radioactivity in the blood showed a peak 1-2 hours after oral administration of the labelled compound, at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. The blood kinetics pattern suggested an entero-hepatic cycle, which was demonstrated by i.v. administration of the compound at the same dose. The blood profiles for both administration routes, demonstrated that the bioavailability of the active principle was good. Urinary excretion was lower than faecal excretion after oral ingestion, and both were comparable after administration via the i.v. route. Moreover, excretion mainly occurred within the first 24 hours following administration. When hesperidin methylchalcone was given in a therapeutic, pharmaceutical formulation, its bioavailability was greatly improved. (This was not due to the alcoholic ingredient in the formula).