Mandarin

Related Terms

Beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, carotenoids, Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium, Citrus reticulata, Citrus reticulata Blanco, Citrus reticulate, Dancy tangerine (Citrus tangerinia), folate, grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), limonin, limonoid glucoside mixture, limonoids, lutein, magnesium, mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco), nomilin, orange (Citrus sinensis), polyphenols, Rutaceae (family), tangeretin, tangerine juice, vitamin C, xanthophyll esters, zeaxanthin.

Background

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) is a citrus fruit that is well known for being sweet and easy to peel. The name tangerine comes from Tangier, Morocco, the port from which the first tangerines were shipped to Europe. Tangerine contains vitamin C, folate, and beta-carotene. In Korea, tangerine peel has traditionally been used to promote liver qi activity and the function of the digestive system.
Tangerine may have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. However, there is currently a lack of available evidence in humans to support the use of tangerine for any medical indication.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old):
There is no proven effective dose for tangerine in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Although not well studied in humans, tangerine may inhibit Helicobacter pylori. Use cautiously with other antibiotics due to possible additive effects. Preliminary evidence also suggests that tangerine may have antioxidant properties.
Tangerine juice may lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Use cautiously with high or low cholesterol or if taking cholesterol-altering medications.
In theory, constituents found in citrus fruits, including tangerine, may have additive effects with other anti-inflammatory agents.
Although not well studied in humans, tangerine peel or its extracts may have anticancer activity. In addition, tangerine and other Chinese medicinal herbs may decrease the toxic effects of chemotherapy.
Tangerine juice may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be decreased in the blood and the intended effects may be reduced. Patients taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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