Tangerine Powder Extract
Also known as: Tangerine peel extract, Tangerine powder extract, Citrus peel extract, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, CRP, Citrus reticulata peel extract
Overview
Tangerine powder extract is derived from the dried peel of Citrus reticulata, commonly known as tangerine. It is a botanical supplement rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids like hesperidin and nobiletin, polyphenols, and essential oils. This extract is primarily utilized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic health-promoting properties. It is increasingly recognized as a functional ingredient in dietary supplements, traditional medicine, and food products. While research is ongoing, current evidence suggests moderate efficacy, particularly in areas of metabolic health and inflammation, with a growing number of randomized controlled trials supporting its use. However, more extensive meta-analyses are needed to solidify its evidence base.
Benefits
Tangerine powder extract offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly for overweight and obese adults. Its primary effects include significant antioxidant activity, demonstrated by reductions in oxidative stress markers and increases in endogenous antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, leading to observed reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) in clinical trials. Metabolic benefits are notable, with studies showing that citrus peel polyphenolic extracts can significantly reduce waist circumference, body fat mass, body weight, and BMI over 12 weeks. Additionally, some research suggests cardiovascular improvements, such as better lipid profiles with decreased LDL and increased HDL cholesterol, especially when combined with lifestyle interventions. For instance, a 12-week RCT involving 47 subjects reported significant reductions in waist and hip circumference and decreased CRP levels (p < 0.05). Benefits typically become noticeable after 8–12 weeks of consistent supplementation. Preclinical studies also suggest potential neuroprotective, anticancer, gastrointestinal, and skeletal health benefits, though these require further clinical validation.
How it works
The mechanism of action for tangerine peel extract primarily revolves around its rich content of bioactive flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds exert antioxidant effects by directly scavenging free radicals and by upregulating the body's endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems. Its anti-inflammatory properties are likely mediated through the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP). Metabolic benefits may stem from the modulation of lipid metabolism and an improvement in insulin sensitivity, as indicated by reductions in hepatic lipotoxicity observed in experimental models. The absorption and bioavailability of these compounds can vary, but they are generally considered moderately bioavailable, with potential for enhancement through specific formulation strategies.
Side effects
Tangerine peel extract is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials lasting up to 12 weeks. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which occurs rarely. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been documented in the reviewed studies. However, due to its potential anti-inflammatory effects, caution is advised when co-administering with anticoagulant or anti-inflammatory medications, as additive effects could theoretically occur. Specific safety data for special populations, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or children, are currently insufficient, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision. No established maximum safe dose has been determined, but doses used in trials up to 12 weeks have shown good tolerability.
Dosage
Effective dosages of tangerine powder extract, particularly standardized citrus peel polyphenolic extracts, typically range around 900 mg per day. This dosage has been used in clinical studies, such as those involving Sinetrol®-XPur. For optimal absorption and to minimize potential mild gastrointestinal discomfort, it is generally recommended to administer the extract twice daily with meals. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses up to 900 mg/day have demonstrated good tolerability in trials lasting up to 12 weeks. For consistent efficacy, it is advisable to use powder or encapsulated extracts that are standardized for their polyphenol content. Different dosages for specific purposes beyond general metabolic and anti-inflammatory support are not yet well-defined in clinical research.
FAQs
Is tangerine powder extract safe for long-term use?
Limited long-term data exist; short-term use (up to 12 weeks) appears safe with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials.
Can it aid weight loss alone?
It is most effective as an adjunct to a healthy diet and regular exercise, not as a standalone weight loss agent. Its benefits are seen in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
When are benefits noticeable?
Benefits typically become noticeable after 8–12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation, particularly for metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Does it interact with medications?
No significant interactions have been widely reported, but caution is advised with anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs due to potential additive effects. Consult a healthcare professional.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11241192/ – This systematic review summarizes various studies on Citrus reticulata peel extract, highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective effects. It notes that while promising, much of the evidence is from preclinical or small clinical studies, indicating a need for more robust clinical trials and meta-analyses.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9103913/ – This study, which includes an RCT, investigated Sinetrol®-XPur (a citrus peel extract) in 95 overweight adults over 12 weeks. It found significant reductions in waist circumference, body fat, CRP, and oxidative stress markers, with no adverse effects. The study provides strong evidence for metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits in this population.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/IJN.S478589 – This experimental study explored tangerine peel-derived nanovesicles in animal and cellular models. It demonstrated that these nanovesicles could reduce hepatic lipotoxicity in models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, suggesting potential metabolic benefits. However, these findings are preclinical and require human validation.
