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Tangerine Extract

Also known as: Tangerine extract, Tangerine peel extract, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Citrus flavonoid extract, Citrus reticulata extract

Overview

Tangerine extract, primarily derived from the peel of *Citrus reticulata* (known as *Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium* or CRP), is a botanical supplement rich in bioactive phytochemicals. These include flavonoids like naringenin, essential oils, and polymethoxylated flavones. It is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer properties, as well as benefits for cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neuroprotective, and metabolic health. Often incorporated into functional foods, teas, and dietary supplements, tangerine extract's research base is moderately developed, with in vitro, animal, and some human studies. While specific high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on pure tangerine extract are less common, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on broader citrus extracts provide evidence for its efficacy, particularly in weight management and metabolic health.

Benefits

Tangerine extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its rich phytochemical content. Meta-analyses of citrus extracts, which include tangerine components, indicate significant, albeit modest, reductions in body weight (average 1.28 kg), BMI (0.32 kg/m²), waist circumference (2.18 cm), and hip circumference (2.14 cm) compared to placebo, supporting its role in weight management. The strength of this evidence is high, stemming from systematic reviews. Furthermore, tangerine peel extract exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are crucial for protecting cardiovascular function and reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Preclinical studies also suggest neuroprotective effects and modulation of gastrointestinal function. While benefits are observed across various populations, data is most robust for overweight individuals or those with metabolic syndrome. The clinical significance of these anthropometric changes depends on the individual context, and longer-term data is still limited.

How it works

The beneficial effects of tangerine extract stem from its bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids like naringenin and polymethoxylated flavones. These compounds exert their effects through several mechanisms. Naringenin, for instance, has been shown to inhibit Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression in adipocytes, which helps reduce inflammation and improve metabolic function. The extract's potent antioxidant properties are attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals and upregulate the body's endogenous antioxidant enzymes, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory actions involve the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and various signaling pathways. Additionally, the bioactive components may modulate lipid metabolism, enhance glucose homeostasis, and influence energy expenditure. The absorption and bioavailability of these compounds are influenced by their glycoside forms and metabolism by gut microbiota, with polymethoxylated flavones generally exhibiting good bioavailability.

Side effects

Tangerine extract is generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no major adverse effects at typical dosages. Side effects, when they occur, are rare and mild, and meta-analyses of citrus extracts have not identified significant safety concerns. There is no strong evidence of specific drug interactions or contraindications. However, individuals with known citrus allergies should exercise caution. Furthermore, due to the potential for some citrus components to interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes, individuals taking medications metabolized by these enzymes should consult a healthcare provider. Robust safety data for special populations such as pregnant or lactating women and children is currently lacking, warranting caution in these groups. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable for healthy adults at recommended doses.

Dosage

Specific dosing for pure tangerine extract is not yet standardized, as studies often use broader citrus flavonoid extracts. However, effective doses observed in weight management studies typically range from 500 mg to 1500 mg daily of citrus flavonoid extracts, with the exact tangerine extract content varying. The timing of dosage is flexible, and absorption may be enhanced when taken with food. There is no established maximum safe dose, as clinical trials have not reported toxicity within the studied ranges. Tangerine extract is available in various formulations, including powders, capsules, and teas. It is important to note that these dosage guidelines are based on broader citrus extract research, and more specific recommendations for isolated tangerine extract require further dedicated studies.

FAQs

Is tangerine extract effective for weight loss?

Yes, evidence from meta-analyses of citrus extracts, including tangerine components, supports modest reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist/hip circumference.

Is it safe to take tangerine extract daily?

Generally, yes. Tangerine extract is considered safe for daily use at typical doses, with a low risk of side effects reported in clinical studies.

How long does it take to see effects from tangerine extract?

Benefits from citrus extracts, including those with tangerine components, may become apparent within weeks to a few months of consistent supplementation.

Does tangerine extract interact with medications?

Potential interactions exist, particularly with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if you are taking other medications.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11241192/ – This comprehensive review article from 'Foods' (2024) summarizes the current understanding of tangerine peel extract (CRP), highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective properties. It emphasizes that while preclinical data is promising, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6673 – This meta-analysis published in 'Phytotherapy Research' (2023) systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials on citrus extracts. It concluded that citrus extracts significantly reduce body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference, providing strong evidence for their role in weight management, despite high heterogeneity among studies.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9572433/ – This meta-analysis, while focusing on synephrine (a compound found in bitter orange), is relevant for understanding the safety profile of certain citrus-derived compounds. It indicates that synephrine can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and highlights potential side effects like headaches and palpitations, underscoring the importance of distinguishing between different citrus compounds.