Synopsis

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

Citrus spp. (such as orange, lemon, and tangerine) have been used traditionally in Chinese medicine to "support the Spleen," a concept that refers to digestive and metabolic health rather than the anatomical spleen. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dried citrus peel (notably Chen Pi, derived from Citrus reticulata) is commonly prescribed to "regulate qi," "harmonize the Middle Burner," and address symptoms like bloating, poor appetite, and sluggish digestion, which are attributed to Spleen Qi deficiency. The use of citrus in this context is well-documented in classical TCM texts and modern herbal formularies.

However, while modern research has identified bioactive compounds in citrus (e.g., flavonoids, hesperidin, and essential oils) with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-promoting properties, there is limited direct scientific validation specifically linking citrus to the function of the anatomical spleen or to the TCM-defined "Spleen" system. Most available studies focus on general digestive health or immune modulation, not on the spleen per se. Therefore, the evidence supporting the use of Citrus spp. for "Spleen" support is primarily traditional, with low to moderate quality evidence and few rigorous clinical trials.

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