Citrus Paradisi Extract
Also known as: Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi extract, Citrus paradisi
Overview
Citrus paradisi extract is derived from grapefruit, a citrus fruit rich in flavonoids, vitamins (notably vitamin C), and other phytochemicals. It is primarily used as a dietary supplement for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, weight management, and cancer risk reduction. Key characteristics include antioxidant properties, lipid-lowering effects, and potential anti-obesity and anticancer activities. Research on Citrus paradisi extract is moderately mature, with several systematic reviews and meta-analyses available, particularly focusing on lipid metabolism, weight control, and cancer risk. The quality of evidence varies but includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses with appropriate controls and sample sizes, supporting its role as a botanical supplement.
Benefits
Citrus paradisi extract offers several evidence-based benefits. A meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies indicates that citrus extracts, including Citrus paradisi, significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, which are crucial for cardiovascular health. For weight management, systematic reviews and meta-analyses show modest but statistically significant reductions in body weight (1.3-1.8 kg), BMI (0.3 kg/m²), waist circumference (2.2 cm), and hip circumference (2.1 cm). This suggests its utility as an adjunct in weight control strategies. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis reported a 50% reduction in oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer risk associated with high citrus fruit intake, including Citrus paradisi, indicating a protective effect against certain cancers. These benefits are generally observed over intervention periods ranging from weeks to months, depending on the outcome measured, with evidence quality ranging from strong observational studies to high-quality meta-analyses of RCTs.
How it works
The lipid-lowering effects of Citrus paradisi extract are primarily attributed to flavonoids like naringenin, which modulate lipid metabolism pathways by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and enhancing LDL receptor activity. Its anti-obesity effects may involve the downregulation of inflammatory pathways, such as TLR2 expression in adipocytes, improvement of lipid oxidation, and modulation of adipocyte differentiation. The anticancer effects are thought to result from its antioxidant activity, which reduces oxidative DNA damage, and its ability to modulate carcinogen metabolism. The absorption of active compounds like flavonoids is variable but generally sufficient to exert systemic effects when consumed as extracts or whole fruit.
Side effects
Overall, Citrus paradisi extract is considered safe when consumed in dietary amounts. Common side effects are rare but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. A critical safety consideration is grapefruit’s well-documented interaction with cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. This interaction can significantly alter the metabolism of various medications, leading to potentially serious drug interactions. This is a crucial contraindication for patients on certain drugs, such as statins, calcium channel blockers, and many others, as it can increase drug concentrations in the body, leading to enhanced side effects or toxicity. No significant adverse effects were reported in reviewed randomized controlled trials at typical supplement doses, but the drug interaction potential necessitates careful medical consultation before use, especially for individuals on prescription medications.
Dosage
Effective doses of Citrus paradisi extract vary by study but generally range from 400 mg to 1,000 mg daily for lipid and weight management benefits. When consuming whole grapefruit, studies have shown benefits with intake ranging from one-half to one whole fruit daily for weight and metabolic effects. The timing of intake is flexible, but consistent daily consumption is recommended to achieve sustained effects. For optimal and reproducible results, extract formulations standardized to specific flavonoid content, such as naringenin, may be preferred. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional, especially when combining with other supplements or medications, due to potential interactions.
FAQs
Is grapefruit extract safe with medications?
Grapefruit extract can interact with many drugs by inhibiting CYP3A4 enzymes, potentially altering drug metabolism. Always consult healthcare providers before use, especially if on prescription medications.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Lipid and weight management effects may be observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily intake, though individual responses can vary.
Does the extract work better than whole fruit?
Extracts provide concentrated bioactive compounds, while whole fruit offers fiber and other nutrients. Both have demonstrated benefits, with extracts offering a more standardized dose of active compounds.
Is it effective for cancer prevention?
Epidemiological evidence suggests reduced oral cancer risk with high citrus intake. However, direct causality and extract-specific effects for cancer prevention require further research beyond observational studies.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.822678/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including both preclinical and clinical studies, found that citrus extracts, including Citrus paradisi, significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, highlighting their potential in cardiovascular health management.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29753688/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 observational studies reported a significant association between high citrus fruit intake and a 50% reduced risk of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, suggesting a protective effect.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6673 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicated that grapefruit intake leads to modest but statistically significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist and hip circumference, supporting its role in weight management.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25880021/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs on grapefruit intake for weight and metabolic effects confirmed reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference. It also highlighted the importance of considering drug interactions, particularly with CYP3A4 enzymes.
