Citramine, a trademark owned by Driven Sports, Inc, is composed of citrus reticulata extract, which is commonly known as mandarin.
It has been widely used as a form of traditional Chinese medicine because of its healing properties as well as the energy boost it provides to those who use it.
Reported Effects
1) Provides added energy and vitality
2) Relaxes the gastrointestinal tract
3) Treats digestive problems
This compound is known for its application in treating abdominal distension. It’s aroma and warm, pungent taste also helps improve digestion as well as in reducing phlegm. Here are some of the other reported effects of citrus reticulata:
1. The peel is used to dry up mucus in the lungs, as well as in the stomach. It has also been shown to strengthen digestion, and may be included in a lot of Traditional Chinese Medicine medicines for diarrhea, nausea and cough.
2. It supposedly increases gastric juice secretion and relaxes the gastrointestinal tract. Expectoration of the lungs is also one of the effects.
3. It may treat hiccups, vomiting, and digestive problems.
4. The Chinese also believe that it provides added energy and vitality through adrenergic amines and flavonoids.
Possible Dangers
Eating a lot of this in one sitting may cause dryness in the mouth as well as in the digestive system. Some people may also have allergic reaction to citrus, while certain ailments are aggravated by this ingredient.
When under medication for other illnesses, it is best to consult with a doctor to check which food types need to be avoided. Apart from these, there are no known issues that should be of concern.
FDA Approved?
Tangerine and Mandarin are included in the FDA approved list of food additives, but Citramine itself has not been regulated.
Studies
In one study (Bracke et al, 1999), extract of tangeritin has been found to block the cancer inhibiting effects of tamoxifen. This study has been made on female mice and includes a disclaimer that tangeritin results from a huge amount of tangerines. Furthermore, the difference in the metabolic rates of mice and humans should also be considered as a factor. Nevertheless, excessive use of tangerine products should be avoided.
Tangeritin, however, has been proven to strengthen the epithelial cells and inhibits the metastasis of cancer related cells. It allegedly increases the strength of the E-cadherin, a cell adhesive that is often lacking in cell samples taken from cancer patients. To get this impact, researchers believe that a healthy amount of fruit intake is needed so that the body will have enough to store. The recommendation is to eat one tangerine per day when it is in season.
According to another research (Bensky and Gamble, 1993), certain concoctions of tangerine peel mixed with licorice root were found to be 70% effective during the early stages of mastitis treatment. These Chinese clinical trials, however, found that it has not impacted to chronic cases.
Citramine’s effect as an energy booster is thought to be a result of the alkaloids such as N-methyltyramine and naringenin. These have stimulatory properties that blocks receptors that in turn lower stimulation and promote storage of fat. According to the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the naringen content of Citramine prolongs the stimulatory effect of N-methyltyramine as well as caffeine.
Alternative Names
1. Citrus nobilis peel extract
2. Citrus reticulata extract
3. Extract of citrus nobilis peel
4. Extract of mandarin orange peel
5. Mandarin orange Extract
6. Mandarin orange peel extract
7. Tangor
8. Murcot
Conclusion
Citramine, in theory, seems to have a healthy impact to the body. It is derived from natural sources that don’t have a lot of negative side effects to the body. The energy-boosting characteristic seems to be backed up by studies as well as by centuries of application. Dendrobex is another active ingredient used by bodybuilder’s.