Citrus reticulata
What's the taxonomical classification of Citrus reticulata?
Citrus retiiculata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Moving through its hierarchical structure, it is placed in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is further categorized under the family Rutaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Citrus, and its specific species name, reticulata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Citrus |
| Species | reticulata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Citrus reticulaata has an evergreen growth habit characterized by small, dark green, oval-shaped leaves with slightly serrated margins and a waxy cuticle. The plant features a woody structure with spreading branches that often possess small, sharp spines at the nodes. Its flowers are fragrant, white, and pentamerous, emerging from the axils of the leaves. The fruit develops into a globose orange berry with a thick, pitted rind containing essential oil glands. Within the fruit, the pulp is divided into juice-filled segments containing numerous small seeds.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of South China, Southeast Asia, and parts of Northeast India. While its ancestral origins are confined to these specific Asian territories, human cultivation has facilitated its spread across the globe. It is now widely grown in many warm-temperate and tropical climates, including the Mediterranean basin, the United States, and South America. Commercial production is particularly concentrated in countries with favorable humidity and frost-free environments. This widespread distribution is primarily driven by its economic importance as a source of fresh fruit and juice.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as the mandarin orange, requires well-draining, slightly acidic soil and a warm climate with plenty of direct sunlight to thrive.
It flourishes best in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11 where temperatures remain consistently mild. Regular watering is essential to maintain moisture without saturating the roots, as waterlogged soil can lead to fungal issues. During the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen and micronutrients supports healthy foliage and fruit production.
Pruning should be performed annually to improve airflow and facilitate easier harvesting of the citrus fruits.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Citrus reticulata, provides medicinal value through its pericarpium, flowers, leaves, fruit, and seeds. The pericarpium is often used in traditional remedies to aid digestion and relieve coughs. Fragrant flowers can be utilized for their calming properties and aromatic essence. Leaves are frequently harvested to create infusions that help reduce fever or skin inflammation. Both the juicy fruit and the small seeds offer various bioactive compounds that support overall health.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae viride is studied for the determination of synephrine and N-methyltyramine. Samples were extracted using 30% methanol and analyzed with an ODS column using a mobile phase of methanol-water-sodium dodecyl sulfate at a 55:45:0.1 ratio. Detection was performed at a wavelength of 285 nm. The linearity for synephrine was recorded at r = 0.9999 within a range of 0.35-11.24 microg. The average recovery for the process was 97.1% with a repeatability RSD of 1.9%.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Pericarpium
- flower
- leaf
- fruit
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known commonly as the mandarin orange, has been utilized for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat digestive ailments and resolve phlegm. Practitioners historically used the dried peel, referred to as chenpi, to regulate qi and alleviate nausea or bloating. In various other traditional practices, the juice and zest were employed to bolster immune health and reduce inflammation. These historical applications often focused on the plant's warming properties to balance bodily energies. The fruit remains a staple in many cultural rituals and dietary traditions across Asia and the Mediterranean.
According to a study published by "Current HIV research", Citrus reticulata is one of the most important medicinal plants which has been used in traditional Chinese medicinal sciences. This plant is categorized among the herbs used for the treatment of HIV. The information regarding its use was gathered from literature sources such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. These studies and observations were obtained from July 2000 to August 2023. Research to date remains limited for this plant and more evidence is required to confirm its efficacy.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Citrus reticulata?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral pharmacological activities driven by its rich concentration of bioactive flavonoids and essential oils. The antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals to prevent cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. Its potent antimicrobial and antibacterial effects allow it to inhibit the growth of various harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Additionally, the plant exhibits antiviral capabilities that can help interfere with the replication cycles of certain viruses. These diverse medicinal qualities make Citrus reticulata a significant subject for therapeutic research and development.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in pharmacology", Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) exhibits a variety of clinical effects including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardiovascular protective, intestinal regulatory, and lipid-lowering activities. Its efficacy is attributed to a diverse range of chemical components. Variations in geographical origin, storage duration, aging time, and harvesting period can lead to changes in these chemical constituents. Research focuses on the dynamic changes and mechanisms of action of the major bioactive metabolites in CRP based on these different factors. The study also analyzes the microbial activity and safety of the dominant strain, Aspergillus spp., regarding CRP.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antioxidant
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- antiviral
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive flavonoids including hesperidin, hesperetin, nobiletin, narirutin, and eriocitrin. These specific medicinal compounds are primarily concentrated within the peel and juice of the fruit. Each molecule contributes to a diverse range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Researchers often study these substances for their potential to improve cardiovascular health and metabolic functions. The presence of these phytochemicals makes the species a significant subject in nutritional science and drug development.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", the plant Citrus reticulata contains the flavonoid compound hesperetin. This natural compound is found in tangerine peel and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to prepare herbal remedies. The study investigated how hesperetin reduces ferroptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis and wound healing. In a diabetic rat wound model, hesperetin significantly promotes wound healing by reducing levels of tissue ferroptosis. The research demonstrates that hesperetin achieves this inhibition of ferroptosis through the activation of SIRT3.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Hesperetin
- Hespidin
- Nobiletin
- Narirutin
- Eriocitrin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and liver injury. The bioactive compounds found within the fruit assist in regulating lipid profiles to combat high cholesterol levels. These properties also help stabilize blood glucose concentrations, making it a useful component in managing diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the antioxidant effects of the plant provide protective mechanisms against cellular damage during liver injury. By reducing fat accumulation in the liver, it serves as a potential therapeutic aid for patients suffering from NAFLD.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in molecular biosciences", Citrus reticulaata is used for its therapeutic effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In studies using a high-fat diet induced NAFLD mouse model, the plant was evaluated for its prevention effect on this condition. When used as part of the Chenpi-Rougui herb pair, 105 compounds were characterized which were linked to 70 potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD. Citrus reticulaata primarily regulated 4 targets, specifically FASN, AKT1, CASP3 and PRKCAs, which were associated with reducing apoptosis in hepatocytes.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- NAFLD
- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- liver injury
- liver issues
- hyperlipidemia
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Citrus reticulata, which is utilized to create diverse medicinal preparations including Chenpi, Citri Reticulate Pericarpium, essential oil, citrus peel extract, and TCM polysaccharide. Chenpi, also known as Citri Reticulate Pericarpium, is a dried peel widely used in traditional medicine to regulate Qi and dry dampness. The essential oil extracted from the rind provides concentrated aromatic compounds often used for respiratory support. Citrus peel extract offers a standardized way to deliver various bioactive flavonoids and polyphenols for therapeutic use. Furthermore, TCM polysaccharide is a specific component isolated for its potential immunomodulatory properties.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", Citrus reticulata was used as a source for Juhong in ancient times. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the tangerine peel was dried, aged, and soaked in hot water to scrape off the mesocarp, using only the exocarp as medicine. In the Song Dynasty, the species and medicinal usage of the tangerine were inherited, though the peel was only dried and aged without removing the mesocarp to become Chenpi. In the Ming Dynasty, the Dao-di habitat for Juhong was recorded in Guangdong province, where Citrus reticulata was a probable original plant. Since 1985, Juhong has been divided into two types, with Citrus reticulata being one of the plants whose exocarp is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia under Juhong.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Chenpi
- Citri Reticulate Pericarpium
- Essential oil
- Citrus peel extract
- TCM polysaccharide
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause serious health issues including allergic reactions, chromosomal aberrations, depression-like behaviors, hyaline droplet nephropathy, and neurotoxicity. Some individuals may experience immediate hypersensitivity or allergic reactions upon exposure to its components. Research has also indicated that the plant can trigger chromosomal aberrations and significant neurotoxicity within cellular structures. Furthermore, consumption or exposure has been linked to the development of depression-like behaviors in certain biological models. Chronic impact may also lead to hyaline droplet nephropathy, which involves specific damage to the kidneys.
According to a study published by "Foods (Basel, Switzerland)", the essential oil of Citrus reticulata contains compounds that represent more than 95% of the total essential oils. While these compounds provide high phenolic content, certain levels can pose risks to health. Specifically, the amounts of compounds such as linalool and citral were found to be at high levels. This can be a danger for some sensitive population groups due to allergic reactions.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- allergic reactions
- chromosomal aberrations
- depression-like behaviors
- hyaline droplet nephropathy
- neurotoxicity
What herbs are paired with Citrus reticulata?
This plant, Citrus reticulata, pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs such as basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, and cilantro.
The bright acidity of the mandarin orange complements the peppery notes of basil and the refreshing quality of mint in both sweet and savory applications. When used in culinary preparations, woody herbs like rosemary and thyme help ground the high citrus tones with earthy undertones. Cilantro provides a bright, citrus-adjacent flavor profile that enhances fruit-based salads or citrus-infused dressings.
These combinations work well because the herbal oils balance the natural sugars and citric acid present in the fruit.