Citrus

Citrus, commonly known as a genus of flowering plants, includes beloved fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes. Renowned for their high vitamin C content, these plants offer potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Historically used in traditional medicine, citrus extracts support immune health, promote digestion, and provide refreshing therapeutic benefits.

  • Scientific name: Citrus
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales and family Rutaceae, it is classified under the genus Citrus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Rutaceae WCVP
Genus Citrus WCVP

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across various regions of Southern and Eastern Europe. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in both Portugal and Spain. Moving toward the Mediterranean, the species is also well-established in Italy. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is common in Albania. Additionally, the plant thrives within the borders of Bulgaria.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northern Africa Libya WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP

Chemicals

Citrus has 34 reported phytochemicals identified across 58 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include naringin, flavonoids, hesperidin, naringenin, Naringenin.

Total chemicals
34
Scientific sources
58

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
naringin 6 ★★★☆☆
flavonoids 5 ★★★☆☆
hesperidin 4 ★★☆☆☆
naringenin 4 ★★☆☆☆
Naringenin 3 ★★☆☆☆
Naringin 3 ★★☆☆☆
nobiletin 3 ★★☆☆☆
rutin 3 ★★☆☆☆
monoterpenes 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Citronellol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Citrus has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antihypertensive, Free-Radical Scavenging.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Free-Radical Scavenging 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Citrus has 40 reported medicinal uses identified across 50 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress, inflammation, cancer, Alzheimer disease, Alzheimer's disease.

Total uses
40
Scientific sources
50

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
oxidative stress 6 ★★★☆☆
inflammation 4 ★★☆☆☆
cancer 3 ★★☆☆☆
Alzheimer disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Alzheimer's disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Porphyromonas gingivalis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
SARS-COV 1 ★☆☆☆☆
SARS-CoV-2 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
allergy 1 ★☆☆☆☆