Tangerine Mature Fruit Rind Extract
Also known as: Tangerine peel extract, Mandarin peel extract, Tangerine rind extract, Citrus reticulata (mature fruit rind)
Overview
Tangerine mature fruit rind extract is derived from the peel of *Citrus reticulata*, a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. The peel is harvested, cleaned, and dried before extraction. It is primarily used for its antioxidant properties and potential metabolic health benefits, serving as a source of bioactive flavonoids. Key characteristics include a high concentration of antioxidant compounds, particularly polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) and flavanone glycosides, which exhibit significant radical scavenging activity. Research on tangerine rind extract is moderately developed, with most studies being preclinical or small clinical trials. While evidence strongly supports its antioxidant effects in vitro and in animal models, clinical evidence for metabolic or weight-related benefits is limited and inconsistent, with some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showing no significant effects. The extract is generally considered safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts.
Benefits
The primary benefit of tangerine mature fruit rind extract is its robust antioxidant capacity, demonstrated by 70–90% DPPH radical scavenging activity in vitro. However, clinical evidence for metabolic or weight benefits is limited and mixed; some RCTs show no significant changes in body weight, lipid profiles, or blood pressure. Secondary benefits, supported by preclinical data and mechanistic studies, include potential anti-inflammatory and metabolic modulation. There is no strong evidence to suggest specific population-based benefits in humans. While antioxidant effects are significant in vitro, clinical effect sizes for metabolic or weight outcomes are small or absent. The time course of benefits is not well-characterized in humans; antioxidant effects are likely acute, while any metabolic effects would require chronic supplementation.
How it works
Tangerine mature fruit rind extract primarily works through its antioxidant activity, directly scavenging free radicals and upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) present in the extract may also modulate lipid metabolism and inflammation. The extract interacts primarily with oxidative stress pathways and potentially lipid metabolism. Key bioactive compounds include PMFs (tangeretin, nobiletin, sinensetin) and flavanone glycosides (hesperidin, narirutin, didymin). These compounds are present in the peel and some juice extracts. The bioavailability of PMFs in humans is not well quantified but is likely moderate for flavanone glycosides and lower for PMFs.
Side effects
Tangerine mature fruit rind extract is generally recognized as safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts. However, there is limited data on long-term or high-dose supplementation. No common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) have been reported in clinical studies. Uncommon (1–5%) and rare (<1%) side effects have also not been reported in available literature. While no significant drug interactions have been reported, there is a theoretical potential for interactions with drugs metabolized by CYP enzymes due to the flavonoid content of the extract. There are no established contraindications. No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but caution is advised due to limited data.
Dosage
A minimum effective dose of tangerine mature fruit rind extract has not been established for clinical outcomes. Typical doses used in studies range from 500 mg to 2 g of peel extract daily, but clinical efficacy is not well established. The maximum safe dose is also not established, although no toxicity has been reported at typical doses. There are no specific timing recommendations for taking the extract. Powdered or liquid extracts are common forms, and bioavailability may vary depending on the form. Absorption may be improved when taken with food due to the fat solubility of some flavonoids. No required cofactors have been identified.
FAQs
Is there evidence for weight loss or metabolic benefits?
No strong evidence supports weight loss or metabolic benefits in humans. Antioxidant effects are well-supported in vitro, but clinical trials have yielded mixed results.
Is tangerine mature fruit rind extract safe?
It is generally safe for most adults at typical doses. However, long-term safety has not been extensively studied, so caution is advised with prolonged use.
When and how should I take this extract?
It can be taken with meals to potentially enhance absorption. Follow the dosage recommendations on the product label, and consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns.
What results can I expect from taking this extract?
Antioxidant support is likely. However, metabolic or weight benefits are not consistently demonstrated in clinical trials, so results may vary.
Is tangerine mature fruit rind extract a proven weight loss supplement?
No, it is not a proven weight loss or metabolic booster in humans. Research on these effects is limited and has not shown consistent, significant benefits.
Research Sources
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/9/1292/7272715 – This randomized controlled trial (Niv et al, 2012) with 48 healthy adults found no significant changes in body weight, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, or blood pressure after tangerine extract supplementation. The study's limitations include a small sample size and short duration, suggesting it was underpowered to detect some outcomes.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/11/1681 – Azzini et al (2017) conducted a cross-sectional study with 20 women and found no significant changes in body weight, lipids, blood pressure, or waist/hip circumference after 12 weeks of tangerine extract supplementation. The study's small sample size and cross-sectional design limit the ability to draw causal inferences.
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/t/tangerine+citrus+reticulata – This source provides general information about tangerines and their chemical composition, highlighting the presence of polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) and their potential health benefits. It underscores the need for further research to fully understand the effects of tangerine extracts on human health.
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Tangerine%20peel%20extract.pdf – This USDA resource likely provides information on the agricultural aspects of tangerine peel extract, including its production and potential uses. It may also touch on the regulatory aspects of using tangerine peel extract in food and dietary supplements.