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yuzu

Also known as: Yuzu, Japanese citron, Citrus junos

Overview

Yuzu, scientifically known as Citrus junos, is a citrus fruit native to East Asia, primarily cultivated in Japan and Korea. Traditionally valued for its aromatic zest and juice in culinary applications, yuzu is also gaining attention as a dietary supplement ingredient due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. These include various flavonoids such as hesperidin and naringin, as well as limonoids and other antioxidants. Supplementally, yuzu extracts are explored for their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood flow-improving, and neuroprotective properties. While research on yuzu is emerging, most human data are limited to small-scale or preliminary studies, with animal and in vitro studies providing the bulk of current evidence. Comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on yuzu are not yet available, but individual peer-reviewed studies offer insights into its mechanistic actions and preliminary efficacy.

Benefits

Yuzu contains bioactive compounds that offer several potential health benefits, though much of the evidence is preliminary and derived from preclinical studies. It shows promise for neuroprotection and gut microbiota modulation, as demonstrated in a controlled mouse model where yuzu seed limonoids and spermine improved intestinal microbiota diversity, increased beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, and reduced hypothalamic inflammation and neuronal degeneration. For mood and stress relief, a small randomized controlled human study (n=18) found that inhaling yuzu aroma significantly reduced total mood disturbance, tension-anxiety, and fatigue, suggesting anxiolytic and anti-fatigue effects. Cardiovascular health benefits are indicated by test-tube and animal studies, where yuzu flavonoids like hesperidin and naringin inhibited platelet aggregation, potentially improving blood flow and reducing clot-related risks. Furthermore, in vitro and animal studies suggest anticancer potential, with yuzu limonoids and flavonoids showing ability to suppress tumor growth and leukemia cell proliferation, though human clinical evidence is currently lacking.

How it works

Yuzu exerts its effects through several mechanisms attributed to its diverse bioactive compounds. Its limonoids and spermine modulate gut microbiota composition, enhancing beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acid production, which can influence systemic inflammation and neuroprotection. Flavonoids such as hesperidin and naringin contribute to cardiovascular benefits by inhibiting platelet aggregation through interference with platelet activation pathways, thereby improving blood flow and reducing thrombosis risk. The aromatic compounds found in yuzu essential oils are believed to modulate central nervous system activity via olfactory pathways, leading to reductions in stress and anxiety. Additionally, the observed anticancer effects in laboratory settings are linked to flavonoids and limonoids inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation in various cancer cell lines.

Side effects

Based on current research, yuzu appears to have a favorable safety profile, with no significant adverse effects reported in animal or human studies at the doses tested. Aromatherapy involving the inhalation of yuzu fragrance has been found to be safe, with no side effects noted in a small randomized controlled trial. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications specifically associated with yuzu consumption or use. However, as with any citrus product, individuals with known citrus allergies should exercise caution. It is important to note that long-term safety data in humans, particularly concerning concentrated yuzu supplements, are currently insufficient. Therefore, while generally considered safe for culinary use and short-term aromatherapy, more extensive research is needed to fully ascertain the safety profile of yuzu as a dietary supplement.

Dosage

Currently, there is no established standardized dosing for yuzu supplements due to the limited number of clinical trials in humans. In animal studies, dietary supplementation with yuzu seed limonoids was administered over periods of 14 to 18 weeks, but direct human equivalent doses have not been defined. For aromatherapy, studies investigating mood benefits utilized 10-minute inhalation sessions. The optimal dosing for specific health benefits, such as cardiovascular support or potential anticancer effects, remains to be determined and will require further human clinical trials. Consumers should be aware that without standardized guidelines, dosages found in commercial supplements may vary widely, and caution is advised until more robust clinical data become available.

FAQs

Is yuzu safe to consume regularly?

Based on current evidence, yuzu is generally safe when consumed as food or used for aromatherapy. However, the safety of concentrated yuzu supplements for regular, long-term consumption requires further scientific study.

Does yuzu improve heart health?

Preliminary data from test-tube and animal studies suggest yuzu may offer potential benefits for heart health through anti-platelet effects. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Can yuzu reduce stress?

Yes, aromatherapy with yuzu scent has demonstrated acute reductions in anxiety and fatigue in a small randomized controlled trial, suggesting its potential for stress relief.

Is yuzu effective against cancer?

Laboratory studies on yuzu's compounds show promising results against cancer cells. However, there is currently no clinical evidence to support its use as an anticancer treatment in humans.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8005996/ – This animal study investigated the effects of yuzu seed limonoids and spermine in a mouse model of Sandhoff disease. It found that supplementation improved gut microbiota diversity, increased beneficial bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids, and reduced hypothalamic inflammation and neuronal degeneration, suggesting neuroprotective and gut-modulating effects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4839105/ – This human randomized controlled trial (n=18) explored the effects of yuzu aroma inhalation. Participants who inhaled yuzu fragrance for 10 minutes showed significant reductions in total mood disturbance, tension-anxiety, and fatigue scores compared to a control, indicating anxiolytic and anti-fatigue properties.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/yuzu-fruit – This source reviews in vitro and animal studies on yuzu flavonoids, specifically hesperidin and naringin. It highlights their ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits by improving blood flow and reducing the risk of clot formation.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/yuzu-fruit-health-benefits – This article discusses the potential anticancer properties of yuzu, citing in vitro and animal studies. It notes that yuzu limonoids and flavonoids, such as nobiletin and tangeretin, have shown the ability to suppress tumor growth and inhibit leukemia cell proliferation in laboratory settings.