Leaflets 7.5- 15 cm. Petiole short marginated. Flowers numerous, raceme white or often tinged with pink frequently uni- sexual. Fruit,large oblong or obovoid and rind usually whorled and thick, known as hesperidium. Essential oils and Vitamin C are also found.
Some varieties contain the flavonoid naringin.
The mechanism for this phenomenon is complex,and includes the protective action of diphenols on catecholamines participating in vascular integrity. In ayurvedic practice, the dried rind or citrus juice is used in kapha and vata diseases, as a vermifuge, for asthma and digestive disorders, as an anti-scorbutic. It is used to counteract nausea and to increase appetite. No untoward reactions have been reported with the standard doses of the formulations. Cited in 11. 5.