Question 1

What is Citrus aurantium used for medicinally?

Accepted Answer

Citrus aurantium has traditionally been used to treat inflamed glands and tonsils, chronic cough, and scorbutic conditions related to vitamin C deficiency. The fruit is classified medicinally as both a diaphoretic (promoting sweating) and a purgative (supporting intestinal clearance). In Sri Lankan traditional medicine, the juice is the primary part used therapeutically.

Question 2

What is the Sinhala name for Citrus aurantium?

Accepted Answer

In Sinhala, Citrus aurantium is known as ඇඹුල් දොඩම් (Embul Dodam), which translates roughly to 'sour orange'. In Tamil, it is called Narankai or Charukkarainarattai, and in Sanskrit it is referred to as Jambira or Nagaranga.

Question 3

What is the difference between bitter orange and sweet orange?

Accepted Answer

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) differs from sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) in several key ways. Its juice is highly sour and not palatable as a fresh table fruit, it has longer spines (5–8 cm) on the branchlets, and its fruit centre becomes hollow at maturity. Bitter orange is cultivated primarily for its peel, essential oils, and medicinal properties rather than as an eating fruit.

Question 4

Does Citrus aurantium grow wild in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, Citrus aurantium is found only under cultivation in Sri Lanka and does not occur naturally in the wild on the island. It is typically grown in home gardens or small agricultural plots where its juice, peel, and medicinal properties are valued.

Question 5

What essential oils are derived from Citrus aurantium?

Accepted Answer

The peel of Citrus aurantium yields a fragrant essential oil rich in limonene and linalool, widely used in perfumery and flavouring. The blossoms are distilled to produce neroli oil, one of the most prized oils in fine perfumery. These by-products give the tree significant commercial value beyond its direct culinary or medicinal uses.

Question 6

What family does Citrus aurantium belong to botanically?

Accepted Answer

Citrus aurantium belongs to the plant family Rutaceae, which includes all major citrus species. Its scientific synonyms include Aurantium × acre Mill., Aurantium × humile Mill., and Aurantium × orientale Mill. The species is also closely related to the rootstock commonly used in commercial citrus grafting.

Question 7

Can bitter orange extract cause side effects?

Accepted Answer

Traditional culinary and medicinal use of the fruit and juice is considered generally safe. However, concentrated extracts containing synephrine — a compound found in the peel — have been associated with cardiovascular effects when used in high doses as dietary supplements. Anyone considering therapeutic use of bitter orange supplements should seek advice from a qualified medical professional before proceeding.

Citrus aurantium

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