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Citrus Medica Fruit-Ripe Extract

Also known as: Citrus medica, Citron, cedar, etrog, foshou, fingered citron, Citrus medica fruit-ripe extract, Citrus medica Linn.

Overview

Citrus medica Linn. fruit and peel extracts are derived from the citron, a citrus species known for its rich content of flavonoids, polyphenols, and B-complex vitamins. Traditionally, it has been utilized for its medicinal properties, including addressing gastrointestinal disorders, acting as an antimicrobial agent, and reducing inflammation. In modern dietary supplements, these extracts are valued for their potential antioxidant, antiulcer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. While preclinical studies and systematic reviews suggest various benefits, human clinical trials specifically on Citrus medica fruit extracts are limited, indicating a moderate level of research maturity with evidence quality varying from preclinical to some observational studies.

Benefits

Citrus medica extracts exhibit several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. Its antiulcer activity has been demonstrated in rat models, where aqueous extracts significantly reduced ulcer scores, likely due to the antioxidant effects of its flavonoids. The extracts also show broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with peel extracts potentially reducing biofilm formation and enhancing bacterial susceptibility to disinfectants. Rich in flavonoids such as hesperidin, quercetin, rutin, and apigenin, Citrus medica extracts possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, systematic reviews suggest anticancer potential through the inhibition of proliferation and metastasis in preclinical models, though human data are scarce. Neuroprotective and antidiabetic effects have also been suggested but require further validation.

How it works

The primary mechanisms of action for Citrus medica extracts are attributed to their rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds act as potent antioxidants, neutralizing reactive oxygen species and thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. The antimicrobial effects are thought to involve the disruption of bacterial cell walls and the inhibition of biofilm formation, making bacteria more vulnerable. Antiulcer effects are linked to the protection of gastric mucosa and a reduction in inflammatory infiltration within gastric tissues. For anticancer potential, the extracts are believed to modulate various signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. The absorption and bioavailability of these compounds, such as hesperidin and quercetin, are moderate and involve metabolism in the gut and liver.

Side effects

Citrus medica extracts are generally considered safe, based on their long history of traditional use and findings from preclinical studies, which have not reported significant adverse effects at tested doses. However, clinical trial data on side effects are not well documented. Individuals sensitive to citrus fruits may experience allergic reactions. While no major drug interactions or contraindications are explicitly documented for Citrus medica, caution is advised when co-administering with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. This caution is based on general knowledge of citrus flavonoids, which can interact with these enzymes and potentially alter drug metabolism. Comprehensive safety warnings and specific risk factors for human consumption are still under investigation due to the limited number of human clinical trials.

Dosage

Currently, there is no standardized or clinically established dosing regimen for Citrus medica fruit-ripe extract due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Preclinical studies have utilized a wide range of extract concentrations, making direct extrapolation to human doses challenging. Human supplementation dosages are often inferred from traditional use or from data on related citrus flavonoids. To define effective and safe dosage ranges for various applications, further rigorous clinical research is essential. Without specific clinical guidelines, users should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals, especially given the lack of established upper limits or safety thresholds.

FAQs

Is Citrus medica extract effective for ulcers?

Preclinical studies in animal models show promising antiulcer activity, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.

Can it be used as an antimicrobial supplement?

Peel extracts demonstrate broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and can reduce bacterial biofilms in vitro, but clinical efficacy as a supplement is not yet proven.

Is it safe to consume daily?

Traditionally, it has been consumed, and preclinical data suggest safety. However, clinical safety data for daily, long-term human consumption are limited.

Does it help prevent cancer?

Systematic reviews of preclinical studies indicate potential anticancer effects, but conclusive human evidence is currently lacking.

Research Sources

https://ijppr.humanjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/33.Apoorv-Patil-Kaushal-Patil-Yash-Vikhankar-Vaibhav-Gabhale.pdf – This preclinical study in rats found that Citrus medica aqueous fruit extract significantly reduced ulcer scores and inflammation in an ethanol-induced ulcer model. It also demonstrated antibacterial activity against multiple strains, suggesting potential antiulcer and antimicrobial benefits, though human data are needed.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00420/full – This systematic review, encompassing mostly preclinical and some observational studies, indicated that various Citrus juices and extracts, including Citrus medica, show anticancer potential in both in vitro and in vivo models. The review highlights the need for more human clinical trials to confirm these effects.
https://www.paprikanet.it/images/2023/papers/2023_An_Insight.pdf – This systematic review provided a comprehensive phytochemical profile of Citrus medica, detailing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. The review primarily focused on preclinical evidence, underscoring the need for further clinical research to validate these reported benefits in humans.