Citron des Philippines (Citrus microcarpa): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Philippine Lemon work as a cough remedy?

Philippine Lemon contains vitamin C, flavonoids, and limonene that work synergistically to relieve coughs. Vitamin C supports immune function and reduces airway inflammation, while limonene acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract. The citric acid thins mucus secretions, making them easier to clear. Hesperidin, a flavonoid present in the fruit, has anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe irritated throat tissues. Evidence Level: C (based on preliminary research and traditional use).

Can Philippine Lemon interact with any medications?

Philippine Lemon may interact with certain medications due to its citric acid content and effects on gastric pH. It can increase aluminum absorption from antacids, potentially causing toxicity. The vitamin C content may affect blood clotting parameters in patients taking anticoagulants like warfarin. Additionally, the acidic nature may alter the absorption of pH-dependent medications. Patients taking prescription drugs should consult a healthcare provider before adding Philippine Lemon to their regimen. Evidence Level: C.

How much Philippine Lemon should I take daily?

The recommended adult dosage for Philippine Lemon is the juice of 1-2 fruits daily, diluted in warm water. This preparation provides approximately 50-100 mg of vitamin C along with beneficial flavonoids. For cough and fever relief, this may be taken once or twice daily. For topical skin lightening applications, diluted juice can be applied sparingly. Always dilute the juice to protect tooth enamel and reduce gastric irritation. Evidence Level: C (based on traditional use).

Is Philippine Lemon safe during pregnancy?

Philippine Lemon is considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in moderate food amounts. The vitamin C content supports immune health and enhances iron absorption, which benefits pregnant women. However, pregnant women should avoid excessive intake due to potential heartburn or acid reflux, which are common during pregnancy. The recommended 1-2 fruits daily is generally appropriate. Women with gestational diabetes should monitor their intake. Consult a healthcare provider before using concentrated preparations. Evidence Level: C.

What are the side effects of Philippine Lemon?

Common side effects of Philippine Lemon include dental enamel erosion when undiluted juice frequently contacts teeth. The high acidity may trigger or worsen acid reflux, heartburn, and gastric irritation, particularly in those with peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Excessive consumption can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or loose stools. Individuals with citrus allergies should avoid this herb entirely. To minimize dental effects, dilute the juice and use a straw when drinking. Evidence Level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Philippine Lemon (Citrus microcarpa), also known as calamansi or calamondin, is a small hybrid citrus fruit recognized for its bioactive phenolic compounds and various therapeutic properties [PMID:28911534, PMID:37110643].

Contexte

Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is a hybrid citrus fruit resulting from the cross between a mandarin orange and a kumquat [PMID:37110643]. It is a small, round fruit with thin skin ranging from orange to dark red and is an important crop in regions such as Hainan Island and the Philippines [PMID:35013363, PMID:37110643].

Usages traditionnels

It is traditionally used as folk medicine in Asian countries due to its health benefits [PMID:28911534].

Composés actifs

The fruit is a source of Vitamin C, D-Limonene, essential oils, and dietary fiber (pectin) [PMID:37110643]. Dominant phenolic compounds include C-glycoside flavonoids, specifically phloretin-3',5'-di-C-glucoside [PMID:21978223, PMID:28911534]. Other identified flavonoids include naringin, hesperidin, nobiletin, tangeretin, and diosmin [PMID:28911417, PMID:23194504].

Mécanisme d'action

Bioactive compounds in calamondin exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties [PMID:37110643]. Specific components like phloretin-3',5'-di-C-glucoside demonstrate tyrosinase inhibitory activity [PMID:22953829].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Dietary supplementation with calamondin puree in HFD-fed mice reduced lipid accumulation in the liver, decreased hepatocyte ballooning, and lowered serum inflammation-associated Ccl2 [PMID:32862731]

Preuve BPostprandial blood glucose

A calamansi drink was found to have a Glycaemic Index (GI) of 37, placing it within the range of low GI foods in healthy adult males [PMID:32859257]

Preuve DColon Adenocarcinoma

Crude extract of C. microcarpa exhibited antitumor activity against HT29 human colon adenocarcinoma tumors in immunosuppressed mice [PMID:37505754]

Preuve DBacterial Infection (E. coli)

Peel oils exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against E. coli (MIC 200 µg/mL) and showed synergism with tetracycline [PMID:37898554]

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (mice), and a small non-randomized clinical trial. While promising antioxidant and metabolic effects are noted, high-level clinical evidence (RCTs/Meta-analyses) is lacking.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 35013363 (2022) — Evaluation on the phenotypic diversity of Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa) germplasm in Hainan island. · Scientific reports
2.PMID: 28911534 (2017) — Phenolic compounds and biological activities of small-size citrus: Kumquat and calamondin. · Journal of food and drug analysis
3.PMID: 37110643 (2023) — Phytochemicals, Bioactive Properties and Commercial Potential of Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Fruits: A Review. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 23107680 (2012) — Characterisation of calamansi (Citrus microcarpa). Part II: volatiles, physicochemical properties and non-volatiles in the juice. · Food chemistry
5.PMID: 28930243 (2017) — Traditional Small-Size Citrus from Taiwan: Essential Oils, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity.

Citron des Philippines

Sources et citations

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