fructus aurantii immaturus

Fructus aurantii immaturus is the dried unripe fruit of Citrus aurantium L. or its cultivars (including Citrus sinensis Osbeck), widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) under the name Zhi Shi. It is typically harvested between May and June and can be used raw or processed (e.g., stir-baked). The herb contains active compounds such as flavonoids (notably neohesperidin and naringin), alkaloids, volatile oils, and coumarins. In TCM practice, it is valued for its ability to promote the flow of qi (vital energy), relieve gastrointestinal stagnation, resolve phlegm, alleviate abdominal distension and pain due to heat retention or damp-heat conditions, treat constipation and diarrhea with tenesmus, as well as address prolapse of rectum or uterus[1][2][4]. Modern research has shown that extracts from fructus aurantii immaturus have anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal inflammation by modulating gut microbiota[1], may possess antidepressant activity through modulation of neurotransmitters like 5-HT/DA/NE and cytokines such as IL-1β/TNF-α[5], exhibit antioxidant properties[1], regulate intestinal motility[1], protect gastric mucosa[1], improve blood supply to organs including heart/kidney/brain[4], among other effects.

Other names

Zhi ShiAurantii Fructus Immaturusimmature bitter orange枳实