Citron
Citrus medica
Citrus medica, commonly known as citron, is a traditional medicinal plant that has historical roots in various cultures. It is traditionally used for its aromatic properties and has been incorporated into religious ceremonies and rituals in some Eastern traditions. While there are no specific recorded traditional uses for treating ailments or conditions, studies have shown variability in gene expression and metabolic pathways between different cultivars of citron related to juice sac initiation. Metabolic analyses also indicate that phenolic compositions and bioactivities differ by fruit part, region, and phenolic fraction, particularly noting the low levels of hesperidin and absence of nobiletin in Japanese-grown Bushukan (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis). Additionally, Citrus medica cv. 'Rugosa' essential oil has demonstrated potent antimicrobial and anti-virulence activity in vitro with strong binding affinities for potential drug targets. To date, no major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions have been identified for this plant.
- 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.
- Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed differences in gene expression and metabolic pathways between cultivars of citron related to juice sac initiation.
- Citrus medica cv. 'Rugosa' essential oil showed potent antimicrobial and anti-virulence activity in vitro, with limonene as the major component.
- 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.
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
- 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
- T2 Citrus Peels in Health Foods: A Case Study of Pulp-Free Japanese-Grown Bushukan (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Transcriptomic and metabolomic changes associated with the induction and initiation of juice sacs in citrus fruit. literature abstract metadata
- 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