- 2026-02
- Journal of ethnopharmacology 356
Study Design
- Type
- Review
- Methods
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing both canonical texts of traditional medicine and major electronic databases (including PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang).
Ethnopharmacology relevanve
The seeds of Citrus reticulata Blanco (Juhe) are a valued traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a documented history of use spanning millennia. Traditionally, they have been used to treat hernia pain, orchalgia, and various breast disorders. This long-standing ethnopharmacological application underscores their importance and warrants further investigation into their pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential.Aim of the review
This review aims to systematically evaluate the current research on Juhe, with a specific focus on its botanical origins, pharmacognostic characteristics, traditional processing methods, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, quality control, and analytical techniques. By consolidating this information, we seek to clarify the scientific basis underlying its traditional applications and establish a solid foundation for future research and potential development.Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing both canonical texts of traditional medicine (Zhonghua Ben cao, Dictionary of Chinese Ethnic Medicine) and major electronic databases (including PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang). The search was performed with key terms such as "C. reticulata Blanco," "Juhe," and "salt processing." Relevant publications spanning from 2000 to the present, encompassing pharmacological, clinical, and ethnomedical studies, were systematically retrieved and critically evaluated.Result
Analysis of historical and modern sources reveals that Juhe processing has evolved from methods like stir-frying and wine-processing to the modern standard of crude and salt-processed forms. Its properties and functions have remained consistent: bitter, neutral, targeting the liver and kidney meridians, and used to regulate qi, dissipate nodules, and alleviate pain. Phytochemically, it is rich in limonoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids, which contribute to its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial activities. Meriting particular note is that salt-processing markedly alters the profile of its bioactive constituents.Discussion
Current research on Juhe remains limited, lacking sufficient depth. Concerted efforts are necessary to elucidate the pharmacodynamic material basis of both crude and processed Juhe, delineate the transformation pathways of chemical constituents during processing, and establish clear structure-activity relationships. These investigations are crucial for clarifying the mechanism underlying the processing tradition and will provide a scientific foundation for establishing standardized processing protocols, robust quality control, and guiding its rational clinical application.