Tangerine is a citrus fruit that grows in tropical areas of Asia and is widely cultivated in the United States.
People take tangerine peel by mouth for asthma, indigestion (dyspepsia), cancer prevention, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Tangerine fruit and peel can be eaten as a food. Tangerine fruit can also be made into a juice.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Cancer. Early research suggests that eating a lot of oranges and/or tangerines is linked to a lower risk of developing a type of cancer called nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This type of cancer affects the area behind the nose, where it meets the throat.
- Asthma.
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
- Side effects caused by cancer drug treatment.
- Liver scarring (cirrhosis).
- Colon cancer, rectal cancer.
- Indigestion (dyspepsia).
- A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS).
- Lung cancer.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate tangerine for these uses.
Is it Safe?
The tangerine peel seems to stop the growth of, or increase the death of, cancer cells.
When taken by mouth: Tangerine is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in amounts found in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if tangerine is safe when used as a medicine.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tangerine is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tangerine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tangerine might increase how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. In theory, taking tangerine along with medications that are broken down by the liver can decrease the effects of some medications. Before taking tangerine, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), amiodarone (Cordarone), citalopram (Celexa), felodipine (Plendil), lansoprazole (Prevacid), ondansetron (Zofran), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), sertraline (Zoloft), sibutramine (Meridia), and many others.
Midazolam (Versed)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
The body breaks down midazolam (Versed) to get rid of it. Tangerine might increase how quickly the body breaks down midazolam (Versed). In theory, taking tangerine along with midazolam (Versed) might decrease the effects of midazolam (Versed).
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of tangerine depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for tangerine (in children/in adults). Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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