Kapittha
Limonia acidissima Groff (syn. Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle)
Kapittha (Limonia acidissima Groff (syn. Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Rutaceae family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as Kapittha.
| Botanical name | Limonia acidissima Groff (syn. Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle) |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as Kapittha. Traditional use documented in Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. No WHO monograph. Fruit is consumed as food across South and Southeast Asia. |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5421342 · Wikidata Q935616 · NCBI Taxonomy 159053 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Kapittha |
| Latin/Botanical | Limonia acidissima Groff (syn. Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle) |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Psoralen (furanocoumarin)
- Bergapten
- Xanthotoxin
- Luvangetin
- Limonin (limonoid)
- Stigmasterol
- Orientin
- Vitedin (vitexin)
- Saponarin
- Osthenol
- Sitosterol-O-beta-D-glucoside
- Coumarins (dictamnine)
- 2,6-Dimethoxybenzoquinone
How does it work?
- Antiulcer activity via coumarin-mediated (luvangetin) enhancement of gastric mucosal defense and inhibition of acid secretion
- Antimicrobial and antifungal action through furanocoumarins (psoralen, bergapten) disrupting microbial DNA replication upon photoactivation
- Antidiabetic activity via flavonoid-mediated (orientin, vitedin) alpha-glucosidase inhibition and insulin sensitization
- Hepatoprotective effects through coumarin and flavonoid-mediated antioxidant protection and restoration of hepatic enzymes
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Anti-diarrheal and dysentery treatment validated through antimicrobial and anti-motility preclinical studies
- Peptic ulcer treatment confirmed through aspirin/ethanol-induced ulcer models
- Hepatoprotective use supported by CCl4-induced liver damage models with significant restoration of liver function markers
- Respiratory ailment use supported by antihistaminic and bronchodilatory effects in preclinical studies
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Mohanty S, Pattnaik A 2025. Ethnobotanical Significance, Phytopharmacology, and Toxicological Profile of Limonia acidissima L. (Rutaceae): A Review. Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening. PMID 38676498 · doi:10.2174/0113862073285538240417051928
Comprehensive review documented anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-diarrheal, antimicrobial, antiulcer, wound healing, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antispermatogenic, diuretic, and adsorbent activities.
2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Fruit pulp is widely consumed as food in India and is generally safe; however, furanocoumarins (psoralen, bergapten) may cause photosensitivity upon topical exposure
- Antispermatogenic activity has been documented in animal models; male fertility impact should be considered. Pregnancy use not recommended without supervision.
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Swarasa (juice), Avaleha (fruit confection), Churna (powder), Capsule, Murabba (preserve)
Standard Dosage: 10-20 mL fruit juice twice daily; 10-20 g Avaleha; 3-5 g powder with honey
Bioavailability: Fruit pulp constituents (marmelosin, psoralen derivatives) show moderate oral bioavailability. Coumarins and furocoumarins are lipophilic and benefit from co-administration with fat-containing foods. Avaleha form (with ghee and sugar) traditionally optimizes absorption of lipophilic actives. Nanosuspension technology can enhance aqueous delivery.
Optimal Timing: Before meals for appetite stimulation; after meals for digestive support; Avaleha can be taken anytime
Standardized Extract: Standardized to minimum 0.2% marmelosin and 5% total polyphenols; fruit pulp standardized to minimum 15% total organic acids
Shelf Life: 12 months for powder; 18 months for Avaleha and Murabba (sugar-preserved); 24 hours for fresh juice (refrigerated); 24 months for capsules
Storage: Fresh fruit pulp and juice require refrigeration (2-8°C). Avaleha and Murabba store at ambient temperature in airtight glass jars. Powder in moisture-proof containers at 15-30°C.
Marker Compounds: Marmelosin, Psoralen, Bergapten, Citric acid, Tartaric acid, Tyramine, Feronia lactone
Extraction Methods
- Cold pressing of ripe fruit pulp
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Water extraction for mucilage-rich fractions
- Sequential extraction: petroleum ether then ethanol then water
Synergistic Combinations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews1
- 2025. Ethnobotanical Significance, Phytopharmacology, and Toxicological Profile of Limonia acidissima L. (Rutaceae): A ReviewCombinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening. PMID 38676498 · doi:10.2174/0113862073285538240417051928
Laboratory and animal studies11
- 2024. STITCH and Molecular Docking Analysis of Selected Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima) Constituents as Anti-Dandruff and Anti-Acne AgentsJournal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences. PMID 38882809 · doi:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_508_23
- 2024. Comparative metabolomics analysis of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis Swingle and Limonia acidissima Linn. Fruits and leaves cultivated in Egypt in context to their antiviral effectsHeliyon. PMID 38933965 · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32335
- 2023. Characteristics of wood apple (Limonia acidissima L.) and soybean powder jelly for emergency food alternativesScientific reports. PMID 37704836 · doi:10.1038/s41598-023-42140-y
- 2022. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477Persoonia. PMID 38234383 · doi:10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.08
- 2021. Evaluation of Nootropic Activity of Limonia acidissima Against Scopolamine-induced Amnesia in RatsTurkish journal of pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 33631923 · doi:10.4274/tjps.galenos.2019.30316
- 2018. Limonia acidissima L. leaf mediated synthesis of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles and their antibacterial activitiesMicrobial pathogenesis. PMID 29248515 · doi:10.1016/j.micpath.2017.12.035
- 2017. Bioactive L acidissima protein hydrolysates using Box-Behnken design3 Biotech. PMID 28674843 · doi:10.1007/s13205-017-0862-y
- 2014. Thanaka: traditional Burmese sun protectionJournal of drugs in dermatology : JDD. PMID 24595576
- 2014. Development of quality control parameters for the standardization of Limonia acidissima L. leaf and stemAsian Pacific journal of tropical medicine. PMID 25312130 · doi:10.1016/S1995-7645(14)60240-6
- 2005. PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Limonia acidissima L. PLANT PARTSAncient science of life. PMID 22557192
- 1988. Antifungal constituents of Limonia acidissimaPlanta medica. PMID 3222382 · doi:10.1055/s-2006-962473
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