How 500mg of Citrus Extract Boosts Jump Height and Strength in Female Basketball Players

León, Spain, Source:

In the competitive arena of women's basketball, athletes constantly search for marginal gains that can tip the scales. A recent investigation published in September 2026 by researchers from the Universidad de León and Universidad Isabel I offers a compelling look at one such strategy. The study explores whether 2S-hesperidin, a specific citrus-derived polyphenol, can serve as an acute ergogenic aid to enhance physical output without adding physiological strain.

The research utilized a randomized, cross-over, single-blind design with twelve Tier 3–4 competitive female basketball players. Participants consumed either 500 mg of Cardiose®, a standardized 2S-hesperidin supplement, or a placebo five hours before testing. This specific timing aligns with pharmacokinetic data showing peak plasma concentrations of hesperidin metabolites around that mark. The athletes then completed a rigorous battery of fitness assessments including handgrip strength, countermovement jumps, drop jumps, sprint times, agility drills, and the 30–15 intermittent fitness test.

Following these tests, the players engaged in a standardized 90-minute on-court training session. During this time, internal load metrics like heart rate and perceived exertion were tracked alongside external load variables such as distance covered and accelerations using local positioning systems. This comprehensive approach allowed researchers to observe both immediate performance shifts and sustained effort during actual play.

The results highlighted significant improvements in key neuromuscular parameters when participants took the 2S-hesperidin supplement compared to the placebo. Dominant handgrip strength saw a 2.8% increase, while countermovement jump height improved by 8.5%. Drop jump height in the dominant leg rose by 5.7%, and the final velocity achieved in the 30–15 IFT increased by 4.1%. These enhancements suggest that acute supplementation may bolster maximal force production and explosive power, qualities essential for jumping, physical contact, and ball control.

It is worth noting that not all athletic qualities responded equally. No significant differences appeared in linear sprint speed, agility, or reactive strength index. This selectivity indicates that the benefits of 2S-hesperidin are targeted rather than universal across every aspect of athletic performance. Coaches and athletes might find value in understanding which specific attributes respond best to this intervention.

An intriguing finding emerged regarding cardiovascular demand. While external load variables like total distance and acceleration metrics remained consistent between conditions, mean heart rate was significantly lower in the supplementation group during the training session. This reduction in heart rate for a similar workload points toward potential improvements in metabolic efficiency or vascular function. Enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability and endothelial health associated with hesperidin intake could be driving these positive physiological markers.

The authors caution that the small sample size and exploratory nature of the analysis necessitate further validation in larger cohorts. Nevertheless, this research underscores a growing trend in sports nutrition where polyphenols are examined for acute performance enhancement rather than just recovery. For female team-sport athletes, 2S-hesperidin presents a targeted strategy to boost explosive and intermittent capabilities while potentially managing internal stress. As the sporting community seeks evidence-based methods to optimize performance, nuanced insights into compounds like this become increasingly valuable for those aiming to gain a competitive edge.