Individual Herbs Notebook

Zhi Ke

Pharmaceutical: Fructus Aurantii
Taxonomy: Citrus aurantium

Other names: Seville Orange / Bitter Orange / Sour Orange

Category: Herbs that Regulate Qi



Properties: Bitter, pungent, sore and slightly cold

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Spleen and Stomach


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Promotes the movement of Qi, reduces distention and pressure and resolves hardenings
    Qi Stagnation and accumulation (especially in weak or deficient patients)
  2. Removes stagnated food
    Food Stagnation

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.


Cautions: Used with caution for pregnant women.


Notable Constituents:
  • Ascorbic Acid
    Vitamin C is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent with functions in fighting bacterial infections, detoxifying reactions, iron absorption and the formation of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries. It cannot be produced or stored by humans and must be obtained in the diet.
  • Apigenin
    A trihydroxyflavone that induces autophagy in leukaemia cells and shows promise as a preventative against skin cancer.
  • Luteolin
    A tetrahydroxyflavone that thought to play an important role in the human body as an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger, an anti-inflammatory agent and an immune system modulator as well as being active against several cancers.
  • Tangeretin
    A pentamethoxyflavone with possible role as an antineoplastic agent.
  • Nobiletin
    A methoxyflavone with possible role as an antineoplastic agent.
  • Hesperidin
    Glycoside form of hesperetin found in citrus fruits that is most commonly used for blood vessel conditions such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and poor circulation. Hesperetin also functions as an antioxidant and an antineoplastic agent.
  • Naringin
    Disaccharide derivative with an antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory action.
  • Synephrine
    Alkaloid similar to ephedrine that can increase heart rate and blood pressure through sympathomimesis and vasoconstriction. It is not generally a problem in traditional preparations but may be in concentrated extracts.
  • Rutin
    A flavinoid with antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic properties. It has been used therapeutically to decrease capillary fragility but has low bioavailability due to poor absorption, high metabolism, and rapid excretion.

Appears in 45 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)