Citrus maxima

Botanical

What is it

Citrus maxima, also known as pomelo or shaddock, is the largest member of the citrus family. The fruit, peel, and juice are widely consumed in Asia and increasingly worldwide.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Vitamin C source

Strong Evidence

Pomelo is a strong vitamin C source, helping meet daily requirements. Vitamin C's role in collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense is well established.

How it works

Pomelo provides vitamin C, folate, potassium, and a range of flavonoids including naringin, hesperidin, and nobiletin. The flavonoid profile contributes antioxidant activity and may modulate inflammation. Like grapefruit, pomelo peel contains furanocoumarins that can inhibit CYP3A4, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing many medications. This means pomelo can cause drug-grapefruit-style interactions.

Dosage

There is no recommended supplement dose. Whole fruit consumption is typical. A small to medium pomelo serving (about 1 cup) provides 100 percent or more of the Daily Value for vitamin C.

When and how to take it

Pomelo is consumed as a food. If you must take a CYP3A4-sensitive medication, the interaction can persist for many hours, so simply spacing the dose is not adequate.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Fresh pomelo (Citrus maxima)

Whole fruit form provides fiber, vitamins, and flavonoids.

Vitamin C and flavonoids absorbed in small intestine.

Pomelo peel extract

Used in supplements for flavonoid content. Drug interactions are a consideration.

May contain furanocoumarins.

Safety

Pomelo is widely consumed and generally well tolerated. The main consumer concern is the grapefruit-style interaction with certain medications.

Who should be cautious

People taking CYP3A4-sensitive medications should avoid or limit pomelo and pomelo juice. Pregnant and breastfeeding people can consume normal amounts as a food.

Interactions

Pomelo can inhibit CYP3A4 like grapefruit, affecting the metabolism of statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin), calcium channel blockers (felodipine, nifedipine), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), and many other drugs. Check with a pharmacist if you take prescription medications.

Food sources

Pomelo (fresh)

Amount
1 cup
%DV
130%

Frequently asked questions

Does pomelo affect medications like grapefruit?⌄

Yes. Pomelo contains similar furanocoumarins and can affect the metabolism of CYP3A4-sensitive drugs. Check with a pharmacist.

Is pomelo high in sugar?⌄

It has a similar sugar profile to other citrus fruits, balanced by fiber. People with diabetes can include it as part of a balanced diet.

References

Citrus maxima on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Citrus maxima on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Citrus maxima (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.