Herb & supplement monograph

Tangerine Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Tangerine interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Tangerine is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Tangerine is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Tangerine Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Tangerine drug interaction appears low for most people. Every listed interaction is rated minor, with none rated moderate or major, and the documented effects were not confirmed in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

Nothing in this profile stands out as a well-documented, meaningful concern. The main question involves midazolam and other medications cleared by the same liver enzyme, because a tangerine compound sped up that enzyme in lab studies. When this was tested in people, though, drinking tangerine juice only slightly delayed how fast midazolam was absorbed and did not change how the body broke it down, so a real-world effect is considered unlikely.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications may look worrying, but it mostly reflects one theoretical idea, that tangerine could affect a liver enzyme the body uses to clear many drugs. Since human testing did not show a meaningful change, this lengthy list does not mean each combination is harmful. For most people, enjoying tangerine alongside their medications is not expected to cause problems.

Check your medications against Tangerine

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Tangerine interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Tangerine

645 medications have a known interaction with Tangerine, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Tangerine using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Tangerine interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Tangerine combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Tangerine affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Tangerine is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Tangerine interacts with

Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) SubstratesMidazolam (versed)

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

In vitro, tangeretin, a constituent of tangerine, induces a 52% increase in the metabolism of midazolam by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). This suggests that tangeretin may stimulate CYP3A4 activity. However, in humans, drinking tangerine juice 200 mL slightly delayed the absorption, but did not affect the metabolism, of midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate. Theoretically, tangerine juice might increase CYP3A4 activity and decrease levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. However, this effect is unlikely.
Some drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 include amitriptyline (Elavil), amiodarone (Cordarone), citalopram (Celexa), felodipine (Plendil), lansoprazole (Prevacid), ondansetron (Zofran), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), sertraline (Zoloft), sibutramine (Meridia), and many others.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Midazolam (Versed)

In vitro, tangeretin, a constituent of tangerine, appears to increase the metabolism of midazolam in human liver microsomes by up to 52%. However, in humans, drinking tangerine juice 200 mL slightly delayed the absorption, but did not affect the metabolism, of midazolam. Theoretically, tangerine juice might increase the metabolism and reduce the effects of midazolam. However, this effect is unlikely.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Monograph

Tangerine: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Tangerine is a sweet citrus fruit that is a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients, and is widely enjoyed as food. While the peel and essential oil are used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy, strong human evidence for specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition is limited. Enjoying tangerines as part of a balanced diet is generally safe for most people.

Scientific name: Citrus reticulata
Family: Rutaceae
Part used: Fruit, peel, and essential oil
Common forms: Fresh fruit, juice, dried peel, essential oil, capsules, extracts

People commonly use it for

Source of vitamin C
Digestive support
Aromatherapy and relaxation
Cough and phlegm (traditional)
Skin and flavoring uses

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallLikely safe

Tangerine fruit is generally safe when eaten as food.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Tangerine is a small, sweet, easy-to-peel citrus fruit. It belongs to the mandarin orange group and grows on trees in warm climates around the world, including parts of Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Americas.

Most people simply eat tangerines as a tasty, nutritious snack. They are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and natural plant compounds. The peel and the essential oil pressed from the peel are also used in cooking, aromatherapy, skin products, and traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, where dried tangerine peel is a well-known ingredient.

How it works

Tangerines contain several natural compounds that researchers have studied, mostly in the laboratory or in animals. These include vitamin C, flavonoids (such as hesperidin and nobiletin), fiber, and aromatic oils like limonene found in the peel.

Flavonoids and vitamin C act as antioxidants, meaning they may help protect cells from certain types of damage. Some peel compounds have shown anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial activity in lab tests. The essential oil's scent is thought to affect mood through the sense of smell.

It is important to know that most of these findings come from test-tube or animal research. Results in a lab do not always carry over to real benefits in people.

Effectiveness

Does Tangerine work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated

1 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Tangerine, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Observational research has found that daily intake of oranges and/or tangerines is associated with a reduced odds of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma when compared with consuming oranges and/or tangerines less than once a week.

Sources Ref 28608

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Eating tangerine as a normal food is safe for most people. Concentrated products such as extracts, supplements, and essential oils are stronger and have not been studied as carefully, so use more caution with these.

People with a citrus allergy should avoid tangerine. The essential oil should never be swallowed unless directed by a qualified professional, and it should be diluted before being applied to the skin to avoid irritation. Citrus oils may also make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Pregnancy: Eating tangerines is generally fine, but the safety of concentrated extracts or essential oils is not well established, so use caution and check with your doctor.

Breastfeeding: The fruit is considered fine as food. Avoid concentrated supplements or oils unless your healthcare provider says they are okay, since there is little safety data.

Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or take medications.

Side effects

Tangerine fruit rarely causes problems. Eating large amounts of any citrus may cause an upset stomach, heartburn, or mouth irritation in some people because of its acidity.

The essential oil can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction, especially if used undiluted. Applying citrus oil and then going in the sun may lead to a skin reaction or discoloration. Allergic reactions to citrus are uncommon but possible.

Tangerine: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Tangerine from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, very few adverse effects have been reported with the medicinal use of tangerine. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Topically, contact dermatitis has been associated with tangerine essential oil.

Vilaplana, J. and Romaguera, C. Contact dermatitis from the essential oil of tangerine in fragrance. Contact Dermatitis 2002;46(2):108.

Reports by condition

Dermatitis Dermatologic

According to one case report, the essential oil of tangerine in a fragrance has been associated with contact dermatitis.

Vilaplana, J. and Romaguera, C. Contact dermatitis from the essential oil of tangerine in fragrance. Contact Dermatitis 2002;46(2):108.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official or standardized medicinal dose for tangerine. As a food, you can simply enjoy it the way you would any fruit.

For peel, extracts, essential oil, or capsule products, there is no established dose proven safe and effective for any condition. The best advice is to follow the directions on the product label and ask a pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated forms. Essential oils are for external or aromatherapy use only unless a professional advises otherwise.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Tangerine & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Tangerine & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 3 references that drive our Tangerine monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Yuan, J. M., Wang, X. L., Xiang, Y. B., Gao, Y. T., Ross, R. K., and Yu, M. C. Preserved foods in relation to risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Shanghai, China. Int J Cancer 2000;85(3):358-363. DOI
Backman, J. T., Maenpaa, J., Belle, D. J., Wrighton, S. A., Kivisto, K. T., and Neuvonen, P. J. Lack of correlation between in vitro and in vivo studies on the effects of tangeretin and tangerine juice on midazolam hydroxylation. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2000; PubMed
Vilaplana, J. and Romaguera, C. Contact dermatitis from the essential oil of tangerine in fragrance. Contact Dermatitis 2002;46(2):108. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Tangerine

135 brands in our database make a supplement containing Tangerine.

ActiveHerb 13 products Adaptogen Research 126 products Alacer Corp 3 products Amazing Grass 109 products American Health 291 products Bel-Air Nutrition Corp 10 products Beverly International 42 products Bio-Botanical Research 19 products Biocidin Botanicals 12 products BioGaia 21 products BiOptimizers 50 products Bioray 63 products BIOVEA 1,494 products BodSmith 40 products Bodybuilding.com Foundation Series 41 products BPI 61 products Clinical Synergy Professional Formulas 33 products CTD Sports 1 product Cutler Nutrition 79 products CVS Pharmacy 116 products DaVinci Laboratories 464 products Doctor Bonhomme 2 products doTERRA 208 products Dr. Mercola 590 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Tangerine

750 products in our database contain Tangerine. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Tangerine: Common Questions

What is Tangerine used for, and does it work?

People use Tangerine for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Tangerine interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 645 medications with a known interaction with Tangerine. Use the checker above to see how Tangerine interacts with a specific drug.

How are Tangerine interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Tangerine with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Tangerine interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

Is Tangerine good for you?

Yes, as a food. Tangerines are a tasty source of vitamin C and fiber and can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, like other fruits.

Can Tangerine help with a cold?

Tangerines provide vitamin C, but there is no strong proof that they prevent or cure colds. Eating fruit supports general health, which is reason enough to enjoy them.

Is Tangerine essential oil safe to use?

Used in aromatherapy or diluted on the skin, it is generally well tolerated, but it can cause irritation and sun sensitivity. Do not swallow essential oil unless a qualified professional tells you to.

Can I eat Tangerines while pregnant?

Eating Tangerines as food is generally considered fine during pregnancy. However, concentrated Tangerine supplements or essential oils have not been well studied, so check with your doctor before using them.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Tangerine

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Tangerine — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 750 products with Tangerine →

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Tangerine Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Tangerine Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Tangerine

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Tangerine affects

Tangerine: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Tangerine work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Tangerine: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Tangerine & Pregnancy

Tangerine & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Tangerine

Supplement products with Tangerine

Tangerine: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Tangerine

Have a question about Tangerine?