citron fruit

Citron fruit (Citrus medica L.) is a traditional Chinese medicine and functional food, widely cultivated in regions like Japan, southern China, and Taiwan. It is known for its various bioactive compounds, including coumarin-like compounds such as Citropten, essential oils (d-limonene, gamma-terpenene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene), pectic polysaccharides, and flavonoids. Research indicates that extracts and compounds from citron fruit possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiaging, and insulin secretagogue properties. For instance, Citropten has been shown to alleviate colitis by inhibiting NF-κB and JAK/STAT3 pathways, while crude flavonoids exhibit antiaging effects by enhancing antioxidant defense systems. The fruit also demonstrates an insulin secretagogue effect, suggesting potential benefits for type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is consumed as functional vegetables and preserved as sweetmeats.

Other names

香橼Finger Citron FruitCitrus medica L.Citrus medica L. var. Sarcodactylis Hort, Rutaceae