Citrus sinensis (proprietary) (Citrus sinensis)
Synopsis
Citrus sinensis, commonly known as sweet orange, is a widely cultivated citrus species valued for its juicy fruit, aromatic peel, and numerous health-supporting compounds. When labeled as “Citrus sinensis (proprietary)”, it typically refers to a standardized extract or specialized blend developed from sweet orange peel, pulp, or whole fruit, often concentrated for specific bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, essential oils, or pectin.
Proprietary extracts of Citrus sinensis may be formulated to deliver concentrated doses of compounds such as hesperidin, narirutin, naringenin, and citrus limonoids, which are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasoprotective, and metabolic benefits. Some versions also emphasize citrus auraptene and polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), which have been shown in research to support cholesterol balance, liver function, and healthy cell regulation.
Depending on the formulation, Citrus sinensis proprietary extracts may be used to support:
- Cardiovascular health (by improving endothelial function and lipid metabolism)
- Immune support (via antioxidant activity and inflammation modulation)
- Metabolic health (supporting healthy glucose and fat metabolism)
- Mood and stress resilience (especially if standardized for citrus-derived essential oils like limonene)
Some proprietary versions may also include cold-pressed orange oil or other phytocompounds for digestive and mood-lifting effects, often used in functional foods, stress-relief supplements, and metabolic blends.
Historical Use
The sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) has a long and well-documented history in both culinary and medicinal traditions. Though native to Southeast Asia, it spread throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean via trade routes and became a staple fruit crop in Europe by the 15th century. Arab physicians were among the first to describe its medicinal uses in detail, recommending the peel and juice for nausea, indigestion, heart palpitations, and melancholy.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, orange peel (often referred to as chen pi) is used to regulate qi, strengthen digestion, and reduce phlegm, indicating its historical use for both digestive and respiratory complaints. The inner white peel (albedo) and membranes—rich in flavonoids—were also used to cool internal heat and support liver detoxification.
The essential oil from sweet orange peel has long been used in aromatherapy to calm the nerves, lift mood, and reduce stress, reflecting a deep folk tradition of using citrus for emotional and digestive harmony.
In the modern era, standardized and proprietary forms of Citrus sinensis have emerged as targeted ingredients in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical preparations, particularly for vascular, metabolic, and mood-related support. These innovations preserve the traditional health applications of sweet orange while enhancing potency and bioavailability through extraction and concentration methods.
Body Systems
Circulatory System (Science)
Digestive System (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Science)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Science)