Tangerine Outer Peel Extract
Also known as: Tangerine Peel Extract, Citrus reticulata Peel Extract, Citrus Peel Polyphenolic Extract, Tangerine Outer Peel Extract
Overview
Tangerine outer peel extract is derived from the dried or fresh peel of the tangerine fruit (*Citrus reticulata*). It is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (such as nobiletin and tangeretin), polyphenols, and essential oils. Primarily used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects, it's also being explored for potential weight management, skin care, and antibacterial properties. The extract exhibits high antioxidant capacity and the ability to modulate metabolic processes. Research includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical studies, although systematic reviews specifically focusing on tangerine peel extract are limited. Evidence is often extrapolated from broader citrus peel extracts. The quality of available evidence is considered moderate, with RCTs demonstrating benefits, particularly in the context of mixed citrus peel extracts.
Benefits
Tangerine peel extract offers several potential health benefits. A 12-week RCT involving overweight subjects showed that a polyphenolic citrus peel extract (including tangerine peel) led to significant reductions in waist and hip circumference, abdominal fat, body fat mass, body weight, and BMI compared to a placebo group. The same study also reported reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, and oxidative stress markers, along with increases in antioxidant enzymes. In vitro studies demonstrate that tangerine peel extracts exhibit high DPPH radical scavenging activity, comparable to synthetic antioxidants. Furthermore, citrus peel extracts have shown promise in enhancing skincare formulations due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and in vitro studies suggest antibacterial activity. Overweight and obese adults may experience the most significant metabolic and weight-related benefits.
How it works
The flavonoids present in tangerine peel extract modulate lipid metabolism, reduce oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals, and downregulate inflammatory pathways, such as reducing CRP levels. It interacts with metabolic pathways influencing adipose tissue, liver lipid metabolism, and systemic inflammation. The extract's molecular targets include antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione, inflammatory cytokines (CRP), and lipid metabolism regulators. Citrus flavonoids have moderate bioavailability, with their metabolites contributing to systemic effects. The matrix of the extract and co-ingestion with meals may enhance absorption.
Side effects
Tangerine peel extract is generally well-tolerated, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials lasting up to 12 weeks. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not well-documented in high-quality studies. There is a potential for interactions with medications metabolized by liver enzymes due to the flavonoid content, but specific interactions are not well-defined. Caution is advised for individuals with citrus allergies. Limited data are available regarding use during pregnancy, lactation, or in children. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable based on short-term studies, but long-term safety data are lacking.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of a polyphenolic citrus peel extract (including tangerine peel) is approximately 900 mg daily, which has demonstrated efficacy in weight and metabolic outcomes. Optimal dosage ranges are between 900 mg to 1,800 mg daily, divided into two doses taken with meals. The maximum safe dose is not clearly established, but doses up to 1,800 mg daily have been well-tolerated in trials. It is recommended to take the extract with meals to enhance absorption and reduce potential gastrointestinal discomfort. Dry extract powder standardized for polyphenol content is a common form. Co-ingestion with dietary fats may improve bioavailability. No specific cofactors are required.
FAQs
Is tangerine peel extract safe for long-term use?
Short-term use (up to 12 weeks) appears safe. Long-term safety data are currently limited, so caution is advised.
How soon can weight loss effects be expected?
Noticeable effects typically appear after 8-12 weeks of consistent supplementation, combined with diet and exercise.
Can it replace conventional weight loss methods?
No, it should be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise, not as a standalone treatment for weight loss.
Are there any known allergies?
Individuals with known allergies to citrus fruits should avoid tangerine peel extract to prevent allergic reactions.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9103913/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of Sinetrol®-XPur, a polyphenolic citrus peel extract including tangerine peel, on overweight adults. The study found significant reductions in waist/hip circumference, abdominal fat, CRP, and oxidative stress markers, along with increased antioxidant enzymes in the treatment group compared to placebo. These findings suggest potential benefits for weight management and metabolic health.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/11/1681 – This study assessed the antioxidant capacity of various citrus peel extracts, including tangerine peel. In vitro assays demonstrated high antioxidant activity of tangerine peel extracts, comparable to synthetic antioxidants. This supports the mechanistic rationale for the potential clinical benefits of tangerine peel extract related to reducing oxidative stress.
- https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/gps-2024-0126/html?lang=en – This research explored the antibacterial effects of biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized using tangerine peel extract. The study found that these nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity in vitro. This suggests a potential application of tangerine peel extract in developing antibacterial agents.
- https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/9/1292/7272715 – This systematic review examined the relationship between citrus fruit intake and energy metabolism. The review included RCTs and cross-sectional studies and found mixed results on lipid profiles and weight. Some RCTs showed significant weight and waist circumference reductions with citrus extracts, indicating a potential role in weight management.
- https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/3969200 – This study investigated the use of citrus peel extracts, including tangerine, infused in olive oil for skincare formulations. The research suggests that these extracts enhance skincare formulations due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This highlights the potential of tangerine peel extract in cosmetic applications.
