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Citrus Grandis

Also known as: Pomelo, Shaddock, Citrus grandis

Overview

Citrus grandis, commonly known as Pomelo or Shaddock, is a large citrus fruit recognized for its rich content of bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, limonoids, lycopene, and β-carotene. It is utilized as a natural supplement primarily for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, lipid regulation, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, anticancer properties, and weight management. Research on Citrus grandis and broader citrus extracts is moderately developed, encompassing preclinical studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses. The evidence quality varies but includes several well-conducted meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) supporting its various health applications.

Benefits

Citrus grandis offers several evidence-based benefits. A meta-analysis of citrus extracts, including Citrus grandis, demonstrated significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, with some studies also showing improvements in HDL and triglyceride levels, indicating its role in lipid profile improvement. For endothelial function, a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of citrus flavonoids supplementation showed a statistically significant increase in flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) by 2.75%, suggesting improved vascular health. In weight management, meta-analyses and RCTs support reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass, with some studies reporting fat mass decreases up to approximately 11.9% and increases in muscle mass. Furthermore, its content of lycopene and β-carotene provides antioxidant activity and has shown antiproliferative effects on leukemia cells in vitro. Methanol extracts of Citrus grandis leaves have also demonstrated antitumor activity in animal models, reducing tumor volume. The flavonoids and limonoids present in Citrus grandis contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects, as observed in preclinical studies.

How it works

The lipid-lowering effects of Citrus grandis are primarily mediated by its flavonoids and limonoids, which modulate cholesterol metabolism and enhance bile acid binding, thereby reducing cholesterol absorption and promoting its excretion. Improvement in endothelial function is attributed to citrus flavonoids enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability and exerting antioxidant effects, leading to vasodilation. Its antioxidant properties stem from carotenoids like lycopene and β-carotene, which scavenge free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress. The anticancer activity involves inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, potentially through modulating inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress. While the exact mechanisms for weight control are still being clarified, they may involve increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation.

Side effects

Citrus grandis and its extracts are generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects reported in clinical trials or animal studies at typical dosages. Rare, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in sensitive individuals. The current literature does not document significant drug interactions or contraindications. However, caution is advised when used concurrently with lipid-lowering medications or anticoagulants due to potential additive effects. Robust safety data for special populations such as pregnant or lactating women and children are lacking, and use in these groups should be under medical supervision. Overall, its safety profile is favorable, but further long-term human studies are needed to confirm extended safety.

Dosage

Clinical studies on citrus flavonoids, which are key components of Citrus grandis, have utilized doses ranging from 200 mg/day to 1 g/day, demonstrating dose-dependent benefits on endothelial function and lipid profiles. For weight management, citrus extracts have been used in the range of 0.5–1 g/day, showing measurable effects on fat mass and muscle mass. While antitumor and antioxidant effects in animal models used methanol extracts at 200–400 mg/kg, human equivalent doses are not yet well-established. Optimal dosing specifically for Citrus grandis is not standardized; therefore, current recommendations often align with those used in broader citrus flavonoid clinical trials. The timing and formulation (e.g., juice, extract, powder) can influence bioavailability, with flavonoids generally showing better absorption when consumed with meals. Upper limits and safety thresholds are not definitively established for long-term use.

FAQs

Is Citrus grandis effective for cholesterol?

Yes, evidence from meta-analyses supports modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol with citrus extracts, including those derived from Citrus grandis.

Can it improve heart health?

Yes, it can contribute to heart health by improving endothelial function and modulating lipid profiles, as shown in various studies.

Is it safe long-term?

Current data suggest safety at studied doses, but robust long-term human data specifically for Citrus grandis are still limited.

Does it aid weight loss?

It can assist in reducing fat mass and waist circumference, particularly when combined with lifestyle interventions, according to meta-analyses.

Are there interactions with medications?

No major interactions are reported, but caution is prudent with lipid-lowering or blood-thinning drugs due to potential additive effects.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.822678/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of citrus extracts on lipid profiles. It found that citrus extracts significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, though effects on HDL and triglycerides were less consistent. The study highlighted high heterogeneity across included studies but employed robust meta-analytic methods.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38561995/ – This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 8 RCTs involving 596 participants examined the impact of citrus flavonoid supplementation on endothelial function. It concluded that citrus flavonoids significantly increased flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) by 2.75%, demonstrating a dose-dependent improvement in endothelial health, despite high heterogeneity among studies.
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/9/1292/7272715 – This review of randomized controlled trials focused on the role of citrus fruits and extracts in weight management. It reported that citrus extracts reduced fat mass (up to ~11.9%), improved muscle mass, and decreased BMI and waist circumference. The review noted some limitations, including small sample sizes in certain RCTs and mixed results on lipid parameters.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8527587/ – This narrative review, incorporating preclinical studies, explored the antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of Citrus grandis extracts. It identified flavonoids and carotenoids as key bioactive compounds responsible for these effects, primarily based on findings from animal models and in vitro experiments, indicating a need for more human clinical trials.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6673 – This meta-analysis investigated the effects of citrus extracts on weight control across multiple randomized controlled trials. It found significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference with citrus supplementation. The study acknowledged moderate heterogeneity and variable dosing among the included trials.