Citrus reticulata Blanco / Orange / Narangi

Abstract

Citrus reticulata (mandarin orange) is a small citrus fruit known for its easy-to-peel skin, pleasant flavour, and nutritional value. It is believed to have originated in South China and has long been valued as both a food source and a component of traditional medicine. The fruit, peel, and leaves contain important bioactive compounds, especially flavonoids such as hesperidin, nobiletin, and tangeretin, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. These characteristics highlight its significance in both dietary and therapeutic applications.

Classical References Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

1. Bhavprakash Nighantu Amradi Phala Varga
2. Raj Nighantu Amradi Phala Varga

Scientific Classification Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum/Division: Streptophyta / Magnoliophyta
• Class: Equisetopsida / Magnoliopsida
• Order: Sapindales
• Family: Rutaceae
• Genus: Citrus
• Species: Citrus reticulata Blanco

Synonyms Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

• Naranga / Nagaranga – Refers to the orange-coloured fruit.
• Vaktrasugandha / Vaktravasa – Indicates pleasant fragrance beneficial for mouth freshness.
• Mukhapriya – Something pleasing or refreshing to the mouth.
• Yogasara / Yogika / Yogaranga – Used in formulations; considered valuable in medicinal preparations.
• Sugandha – Denotes a fruit with a pleasant aroma.
• Madhuramla – Describes the sweet and slightly sour taste.
• Gandhadhya – Rich in fragrance.
• Gandhapatra – Leaves are aromatic or fragrant.
• Suranga – Associated with attractive colour or pleasant qualities.
• Twak Gandha – The peel (skin) has a notable fragrance.

Vernacular Names Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

• Hindi: Santra, Narangi, Kamala, Kaula, Amritphal, Khatta, Sunthura
• Bengali: Komala, Komala Lebu
• Marathi: Santra (संतरा), Narangi (नारंगी), Sakulimba, Suntra, Laramj
• Tamil: Kamalaappalam (கமலாப்பழம்), Narangam (நாரங்கம்), Aaranju Palam, Kamala Aaranju, Kicchili Pazham
• Telugu: Kamala Phala (కమలా ఫలం), Naarinja (నారింజ), Kamala Pandu, Aaranji, Batavanarinja, Jambhiri
• Kannada: Kitthale (ಕಿತ್ತಳೆ), Kanchi-kaayi (ಕಂಚಿ ಕಾಯಿ), Kodagu Kitthale, Doddile, Haereli
• Malayalam: Madhuranaranna (മധുരനരങ്ങ), Conakanaranna, Jambiram, Kolanchinarakam
• Punjabi: Santra
• Assamese: Komala (কমলা), Sumothira
• Manipuri: Komla
• Mizo: Serthlum
• Khasi: Soh-niamtra
• Urdu: Khattay, Sharbat Naramj
• Persian: Limeh, Limu
• Arabic: Limu, Limu-e-Hamiz, Naranj
• Sanskrit: Naranga (नारंग), Kamala
• English: Orange

Habitat Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

Citrus reticulata Blanco, commonly known as mandarin orange or narangi, is a small evergreen, often spiny citrus tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly South China and Vietnam. It thrives in subtropical to tropical climates with warm summers, mild winters, and moderate to high rainfall (about 150–250 cm annually), as extreme cold can damage the plant. The species grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained sandy loam soils and prefers full sunlight for optimal development, usually requiring 8–10 hours of sun daily. It is frequently cultivated in hilly regions at elevations of about 500–1500 meters above mean sea level. Today, it is widely grown across tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide, including India (notably Nagpur), Japan, Brazil, Argentina, the United States, and Mediterranean countries.

Morphology Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

The leaves of Citrus reticulata are simple, alternate, and typically ovate to lanceolate in shape, usually measuring about 6–10 cm in length and 3–5 cm in width. They have a dark green, glossy upper surface, while the underside appears paler with a lighter green or slightly yellowish hue. The leaf texture is smooth, leathery, and somewhat waxy, contributing to its shiny appearance, and the margins are generally entire without serrations. Leaves are attached to the stem by a short, often winged petiole with a flattened base. They emit a characteristic fresh citrus aroma due to the presence of essential oils. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and typically lack prominent stipules. Venation is pinnate, with a distinct central midrib and regularly branching secondary veins, which are more noticeable on the lower surface.

Varieties Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

Another species of this plant bears very sour fruits and is known as Citrus aurantium Linn. It is considered important because it contains a precursor of vitamin A along with a significant amount of vitamin B, and its peel is commonly used for digestive stimulation as well as for its aromatic properties.

Classical Categorisation Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

• According to Dhanwantari Nighantu: AamradadiVarga
• According to Kaiyadeva Nighantu: Aushadhi Varga
• According to Bhavprakash Nighantu: Aamradiphala Varga
• According to Raj Nighantu: Aamradadi varga

Ancient Verse Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

नारङ्गो नागरङ्ग स्यात्त्वक्सुगन्धो मुखप्रियः ॥
नारङ्गो मधुराम्लः स्याद्रोचनो वातनाशनः ।
अपरं त्वम्लमत्युष्णं दुर्जरं वातहत् सरम् ॥ (Bhavprakash Nighantu Amradi Phala varga 63-64)

According to the above shloka, the Sanskrit names of Narangi include Naranga, Nagaranga, Tvaksugandha, and Mukhapriya. Narangi is characterised by a sweet and sour taste, acts as an appetiser, and helps pacify Vata dosha. Another variety of Narangi is predominantly sour in taste, considered very heating in nature, slower to digest, mildly laxative, and also beneficial in balancing Vata.

नारङ्ग चाम्लं मधुरं गुरूष्णञ्चैव रोचनम् ।
वातामक्रिमिशूलघ्नं श्रमहृद्वलरुच्यदम् ।। (Raj Nighantu Amradi Phala varga 172)

According to the above shloka, Naranga possesses a sweet and sour taste with a heavy and warming nature. It enhances taste perception, supports appetite, and is traditionally considered beneficial in conditions related to Vata imbalance, intestinal worms, colic pain, and general fatigue, where it helps restore strength and vitality.

नारङ्गस्त्वक्सुगन्धश्च नागरङ्गो मुखप्रियः ।
स चैरावतकः प्रोक्तो योगी वक्त्राधिवासनः ॥
अम्लं समधुरं हृद्यं विशदं भक्तरोचनम् ।
वातघ्नं दुर्जरं प्रोक्तं नारङ्गस्य फलं गुरु ॥ (Dhanwantari Nighantu Amradi varga 15-16)

According to the above shloka, the plant is known by several synonyms, including Tvakasugandha, Nagaranga, Mukhapriya, Eravata, Yogi, and Vaktradhivasana. It is characterised by a sweet and sour taste and is considered beneficial for heart health. Traditionally, it is regarded as an appetiser, helps balance Vata dosha, possesses clarifying (vishada) properties, and is generally described as heavy and somewhat difficult to digest.

Ayurvedic Properties Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

• Taste (Rasa)– Sweet (Madhur), Sour (Amla)
• Physical property (Guna) –  Heavy (Guru)
• Potency (Veerya )- Hot Potency (Usna)
• Effect on tridosha– Balance Vata dosha

Therapeutic Indications Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

• Sweet and sour in taste; acts as an appetiser.
• Improves digestion, taste perception, and digestive Agni.
• Clears body channels and supports gut health.
• Beneficial for heart health and boosts strength.
• Helps reduce fatigue and burning sensations.
• Balances Vata (raw); balances Kapha and Pitta when cooked.
• Useful in indigestion, nausea, acid reflux, worms, and colic pain.

Systemic Actions Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

Internal Uses

• Digestive System: It is effective in the management of the process of digestion. It is appetising and laxative in nature. It is effective in the management of worm infestation.
• Circulatory System: It is beneficial for the heart.

Chemical Composition Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

• Mainly composed of water, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber.
• Essential oil (mainly from peel) is rich in volatile terpenoids, especially D-limonene, along with γ-terpinene, α-pinene, sabinene, linalool, and β-pinene.
• Contains important volatile aroma compounds such as geranial, neral, geraniol, and methyl-2-aminobenzoate.
• Rich in flavonoids like hesperidin, nobiletin, narirutin, and tangeretin, along with various phenolic compounds.
• Provides antioxidants, especially vitamin C, carotenoids (β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene), and other phytochemicals.
• Includes limonoids such as limonin, nomilin, and obacunone, particularly in seeds and peel.
• Contains organic acids, coumarins, minerals, and small amounts of fatty acids like palmitic and linoleic acid.
• Nutritionally, raw mandarin fruit supplies energy (~53 kcal/100 g), carbohydrates, small amounts of protein and fat, and essential vitamins.

Actions And Properties Of Various Chemical Constituents Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

For Cardiovascular System

Scientific studies suggest that Citrus reticulata (mandarin orange) contains several bioactive compounds beneficial for cardiovascular health, particularly flavonoids such as hesperidin, nobiletin, and naringin. Hesperidin, one of the major flavonoids, is known to help regulate blood pressure, improve endothelial function, and reduce cholesterol levels. Nobiletin contributes to anti-inflammatory effects and supports the prevention of atherosclerosis, while naringin and its derivative naringenin exhibit antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties. Other constituents like methyl-N-methyl anthranilate, along with terpenoids such as limonene and γ-terpinene from the peel and leaves, help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Together, these compounds support heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, preventing plaque buildup in arteries, reducing platelet aggregation, and enhancing overall cardiovascular function.

For Digestive System

Citrus reticulata (mandarin orange/Chenpi) contains several bioactive compounds that support digestive health and help manage problems such as dyspepsia, bloating, and abdominal distension. Flavonoids like hesperidin, nobiletin, tangeretin, naringin, neohesperidin, and eriodictyol contribute anti-inflammatory and digestive-regulating effects, helping maintain gastrointestinal function. Essential oil components from the peel, particularly D-limonene, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, and α-pinene, act as carminative and stomachic agents that stimulate gastric secretions, relax intestinal muscles, and reduce gas formation. Additionally, dietary fiber and pectin support gut microbiota balance and improve bowel function, while citric acid aids digestion and mineral absorption. Together, these compounds enhance digestion, reduce inflammation and bloating, promote smoother gastrointestinal motility, and support overall digestive comfort.

For Varicose Veins

The management of varicose veins with Citrus reticulata (Mandarin orange) is mainly associated with the flavonoids present in its peel, particularly hesperidin and diosmin, which act as venoactive compounds that strengthen vein walls, improve vascular tone, and reduce inflammation. These flavonoids help decrease capillary permeability and prevent blood pooling, thereby supporting healthy venous circulation. Polymethoxylated flavones such as nobiletin and tangeretin provide strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect blood vessels from oxidative stress. Limonene, a major component of the peel’s essential oil, further supports vascular health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Naringin also contributes by enhancing antioxidant defence and reducing inflammation. Together, these bioactive compounds help maintain vein elasticity, improve circulation, and reduce discomfort associated with varicose veins. Regular intake of such flavonoid-rich components may therefore support overall venous health and reduce symptoms like swelling, heaviness, and fatigue in the legs.

Practical Uses / Health Benefits Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

• Digestive Support Tea: Dry the peel (Chenpi), boil in water, and drink as an herbal tea to help digestion, bloating, and mild indigestion.
• Natural Flavour Enhancer: Add fresh or dried peel to desserts, jams, or herbal drinks for a sweet-spicy flavour and digestive benefits.
• Skin Glow Remedy: Mix powdered dried peel with rose water or honey as a face pack to soothe skin and improve texture.
• Refreshing Aromatherapy: Diffuse mandarin peel essential oil or inhale its aroma to help reduce stress and uplift mood.
• Homemade Air Freshener: Boil fresh peel in water to create a natural, fragrant steam that freshens indoor air.
• Natural Food Preserver: Adding small amounts of peel zest to homemade pickles or sweets may help preserve freshness due to antimicrobial properties.
• Garden Use: Dried peel powder can be added to compost or soil as a mild natural pest deterrent.
• Herbal Bath Additive: Adding dried peel or a few drops of peel oil to bathwater may help relax the body and refresh the skin.

Parts Used Of Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

Planet Ayurveda Products With Citrus Reticulata Blanco/ Orange/ Narangi

Conclusion

Citrus reticulata (Mandarin orange) is a valuable medicinal and nutritional plant widely appreciated for its rich flavonoid content, antioxidant properties, and therapeutic potential. Its fruit and peel are commonly used in traditional medicine, culinary preparations, skincare, and aromatherapy due to their digestive, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating benefits. The presence of bioactive compounds like hesperidin, diosmin, limonene, and polymethoxylated flavones supports vascular health, immunity, and overall well-being. With diverse applications in health, food, cosmetics, and industry, Citrus reticulata remains an important natural resource promoting both wellness and sustainable use.