Citron

Citrus medica

Citrus medica, commonly known as fingered citron, is a traditional plant with origins in regions such as Asia and the Mediterranean. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used for medicinal purposes across various cultures. Scientific evidence indicates that phenolic compositions and bioactivities vary significantly based on factors including fruit part, region, and specific phenolic fraction. For instance, the essential oil from Citrus medica cv. 'Rugosa' demonstrated potent antimicrobial and anti-virulence activity in vitro, with limonene being a major component. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses have also revealed differences in gene expression and metabolic pathways between cultivars related to juice sac initiation. The Japanese-grown Bushukan (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) peel contains low levels of hesperidin and no detectable nobiletin, underscoring the importance of species-specific compositional verification. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been identified for this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Phenolic compositions and bioactivities varied by fruit part, region, and phenolic fraction in fingered citron. D PMID
  • Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed differences in gene expression and metabolic pathways between cultivars of citron related to juice sac initiation. D PMID
  • Citrus medica cv. 'Rugosa' essential oil showed potent antimicrobial and anti-virulence activity in vitro, with limonene as the major component. D PMID
  • The Japanese-grown Bushukan (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) peel contains low levels of hesperidin and no detectable nobiletin, highlighting the importance of species-specific compositional verification. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Citron?

Citron (Citrus medica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Citron?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Citron; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Phenolic compositions and bioactivities varied by fruit part, region, and phenolic fraction in fingered citron.

How strong is the evidence for Citron?

The strongest finding for Citron carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Citron safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Citron in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Citron interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Citron in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Citron?

Citron is also known as: Цитрон, Cedrat.

Is Citron a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 GC-MS profiling and antivirulence potential of limonene-rich Citrus medica cv. 'Rugosa' essential oil: in vitro and in silico evaluations. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Citrus Peels in Health Foods: A Case Study of Pulp-Free Japanese-Grown Bushukan (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis). literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Transcriptomic and metabolomic changes associated with the induction and initiation of juice sacs in citrus fruit. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Tissue-Specific Profiles of Free and Bound Phenolics and Their In Vitro Antioxidant and Glycemic-Regulation-Related Activities in Fingered Citron (Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle). literature abstract metadata