Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Citrus nobilis, commonly known as mandarin orange, has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the dried peel of the fruit—often referred to as "chen pi" or "ju pi"—is commonly used as a remedy for various digestive complaints, including indigestion, bloating, and poor appetite. The rationale in TCM is that the peel helps to "regulate qi" (vital energy), strengthen the spleen, and resolve phlegm, which are believed to be associated with digestive disturbances.

Despite its widespread traditional use, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Citrus nobilis for indigestion is limited. Few clinical studies have directly examined its effects on human indigestion. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that certain bioactive compounds in the peel—such as flavonoids (e.g., hesperidin, naringin)—may have gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, or prokinetic effects, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical practice or validated in large-scale human trials. As such, while there is moderate traditional use and some preliminary pharmacological rationale, high-quality clinical evidence is lacking.

In summary, the use of Citrus nobilis to support or treat indigestion is primarily justified by traditional practices rather than scientific validation. The strength of evidence is rated at 2, reflecting historical usage with some supportive but inconclusive scientific data.

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