Matulunga

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Matulunga
Latin/Botanical	Citrus medica L.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Limonene
• Citral
• Hesperidin
• Naringin
• Limonin
• Nomilin
• Citric acid
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Pectin
• Citronellal

How does it work?

• Limonene activates GST (glutathione S-transferase) detoxification enzymes and inhibits Ras oncogene prenylation
• Hesperidin and naringin inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and enhance LDL receptor expression
• Citric acid and vitamin C provide antioxidant protection through direct free radical scavenging and regeneration of other antioxidants (vitamin E, glutathione); also enhance iron absorption from the gut

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Digestive stimulant (Deepana-Pachana): traditionally used in Ayurveda for Agnimandya (digestive weakness). Pharmacological studies have reported enhanced gastric motility and enzyme secretion.
• Anti-emetic and Hridya (cardiac tonic): traditionally used in Pitta disorders and cardiac conditions. Studies on hesperidin have reported cardioprotective effects.
• Anthelmintic: citron rind preparations are traditionally used for Krimi (worms). In vitro studies have reported activity against intestinal parasites.

What do recent studies show?

• Chhikara N , Kour R , Jaglan S and others 2018. Citrus medica: nutritional, phytochemical composition and health benefits - a review. Food & function. PMID 29594287 · doi:10.1039/c7fo02035j
  Comprehensive review confirming nutraceutical benefits including anti-catarrhal, capillary protector, anti-hypertensive, diuretic, anthelmintic, and antihyperglycemic properties.
• Dahan A, Yarmolinsky L, Nakonechny F and others 2025. Etrog Citron (Citrus medica) as a Novel Source of Antimicrobial Agents: Overview of Its Bioactive Phytochemicals and Delivery Approaches. Pharmaceutics. PMID 40574073 · doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics17060761
  Documented novel antimicrobial delivery approaches using citron bioactive compounds with significant activity against foodborne and clinical pathogens.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Generally recognized as safe for food use with long culinary history; extract safety confirmed at large dosages in preclinical studies with no significant toxicity
• Essential oils may cause photosensitivity (phototoxic furanocoumarins like bergapten); avoid sun exposure after topical application of citron essential oil
• Like other citrus fruits, citron may interfere with CYP3A4-metabolized drugs (statins, calcium channel blockers); avoid high-dose supplementation during pregnancy due to limited safety data

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Svarasa (fresh juice), Churna (dried peel/fruit powder), Capsules, Tablets, Essential oil, Avaleha (fruit confection), Panak (beverage)

Standard Dosage: 10-20 mL fresh juice daily; 3-5 g dried peel powder per day; 500 mg standardized extract capsules twice daily; essential oil for aromatherapy 3-5 drops

Optimal Timing: Morning for digestive stimulation; before meals for appetite enhancement; after meals for digestive comfort; aromatherapy as needed for nausea

Storage: Essential oil in amber glass, tightly sealed, below 20 deg C (limonene oxidizes at higher temperatures). Dried peel in airtight containers with nitrogen flushing. Fresh juice refrigerated at 2-8 deg C. Avaleha at room temperature in glass containers.

Marker Compounds: D-Limonene, Hesperidin, Naringin, Citral, Linalool, Citric acid, Ascorbic acid, Nobiletin

Synergistic Combinations

• Shunthi/Ginger (digestive and anti-nausea synergy)
• Pippali (Agni-deepana combination)
• Ela/Cardamom (carminative)
• Tulsi (respiratory and immune support)
• Dadima/Pomegranate (digestive and cardiac)