Citrus hystrix (Citrus hystrix): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Citrus hystrix work as an antimicrobial?

Citrus hystrix exhibits antimicrobial activity primarily through its essential oil compounds, including limonene, beta-pinene, and citronellal. These constituents disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with microbial enzyme systems. Laboratory studies demonstrate activity against oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans, supporting its traditional use in mouthwashes and oral hygiene preparations. Evidence level: C (preclinical data).

Does Citrus hystrix interact with any medications?

No significant drug interactions have been documented for Citrus hystrix leaf preparations in clinical literature. However, the peel oil contains compounds that may theoretically affect cytochrome P450 liver enzymes, similar to other citrus species. Patients taking medications metabolized by these enzymes should use concentrated peel extracts with caution. Evidence level: C. Consult a healthcare provider if taking prescription medications.

What is the recommended dosage for Citrus hystrix leaf tea?

The traditional adult dosage for Citrus hystrix leaf tea is 5-10 grams of dried leaves prepared as an infusion, taken twice daily. For oral rinse applications, diluted juice or leaf preparations may be used. These recommendations are based on traditional use rather than standardized clinical trials. Evidence level: Traditional. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Is Citrus hystrix safe to use during pregnancy?

Citrus hystrix leaf preparations are generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in normal culinary and therapeutic amounts. The leaves contain vitamin C and flavonoids without known teratogenic effects. However, concentrated peel essential oil should be used cautiously, as safety data for high-dose applications during pregnancy remains limited. Evidence level: C. Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies during pregnancy.

What are the side effects of Citrus hystrix essential oil?

Citrus hystrix peel essential oil may cause photosensitivity when applied topically and exposed to sunlight, resulting in skin irritation or hyperpigmentation. Contact dermatitis has been reported in sensitive individuals. Those with known citrus allergies should avoid both leaf and peel preparations. Internal use of undiluted essential oil is not recommended due to potential gastrointestinal irritation. Evidence level: C.

What is Citrus hystrix used for in traditional medicine?

Citrus hystrix has been used traditionally in Southeast Asian folk medicine for oral hygiene, digestive stimulation, and hair conditioning. The leaves and peel are prepared as teas, infusions, or essential oils. In aromatherapy, the essential oil is valued for its refreshing citrus scent and potential antimicrobial properties. Laboratory studies support some traditional antimicrobial applications. Evidence level: C (preclinical evidence supporting traditional uses).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Citrus hystrix, known as kaffir lime, is a member of the Rutaceae family used in cuisine and folk medicine [PMID:32527555, 32178481]. It exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antileukemic effects [PMID:32527555, 33134136, 32178481].

Background

Citrus hystrix (kaffir lime) is a tropical citrus species from the Rutaceae family [PMID:32178481, 21978223]. It is widely produced in Thailand and used primarily for its leaves and fruit peels [PMID:35161253, 36985567].

Traditional uses

The leaves are commonly used in cuisine and folk medicine [PMID:32527555, 32178481], and it is used by Indonesians as a traditional medicine for gastrointestinal diseases, including Salmonella spp. infection [PMID:34088449].

Active compounds

Key compounds include terpenes such as citronellal (major component in leaves) [PMID:33134136, 29187951, 33922220], $\beta$-pinene, sabinene, and limonene (predominant in peels) [PMID:33597415, 36985567, 37569785], as well as $\alpha$-terpineol and terpinene-4-ol [PMID:33134136]. Other bioactive constituents include agrostophillinol [PMID:32527555], $\beta$-citronellol [PMID:39062514], and various flavonoids such as apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside and hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside [PMID:21978223].

Mechanism of action

Antileukemic activity is mediated via the inhibition of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) protein and gene expression [PMID:32178481]. Anti-inflammatory effects include the inhibition of IL-6 secretion [PMID:32527555]. In cancer cells (SCC15), it induces G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the inhibition of Bcl-2 and activation of Bax [PMID:36802384].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DDiabetic Cataract

Hesperidin-standardized leaf flavonoids-rich extract (150 mg/kg) significantly mitigated diabetic cataract in STZ-rats by attenuating fasting blood glucose, PGE2, MDA, and VEGF [PMID:35239198]

Evidence DSalmonella typhimurium Infection

Ethanolic peel extract reduced bacterial loads in the ileum, liver, and spleen in a mouse model [PMID:34088449]

Evidence DNonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

A combination extract of kaffir lime, galangal, and lemongrass corrected blood cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels in rats [PMID:31978768]

Evidence AInflammation

A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies synthesized evidence on anti-inflammatory effects, including inhibition of NO, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-1$\beta$, and COX-2 [PMID:42032128]

Evidence DBacterial Infections (S. aureus, S. mutans)

Essential oils and extracts demonstrate antibacterial activity and inhibit biofilm formation in S. mutans and S. aureus [PMID:26743975, 37293377, 40013263]

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with one systematic review/meta-analysis (Level A) regarding anti-inflammatory effects. No human clinical trials were provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 32527555 (2020) — Isolation and biological activity of agrostophillinol from kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) leaves. · Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters
2.PMID: 33134136 (2020) — Antibacterial oral sprays from kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) fruit peel oil and leaf oil and their activities against respiratory tract pathogens. · Journal of traditional and complementary medicine
3.PMID: 32178481 (2020) — Antileukemic Cell Proliferation of Active Compounds from Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) Leaves. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 40565064 (2025) — Synergistic Antifungal Properties, Chemical Composition, and Frontier Molecular Orbital Analysis of Essential Oils from Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime, Lime, Dill, and Shatavari Against Malassezia furfur. · International journal of molecular sciences
5.PMID: 37293377 (2023)

Citrus hystrix

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Citrus hystrix

Opopanax chironium

Kola Nut

Strychnos nux-vomica

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Citrus hystrix

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Citrus hystrix

Related Herbs

Opopanax chironium

Kola Nut

Strychnos nux-vomica

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources