A Brief Phytochemical Investigation and Pharmacological Uses of Citrus Seed – A Review

Abstract

Citrus fruits are more important in all over the world. They are well known as nutritional and medicinal property. Lemon is one of the most common citrus fruit. Lemons are typically grown from seeds, which are planted and developed as trees. Trees of citrus fruit can stand from 10 feet to 20 feet tall, and can produce fruit for more than 30 years. Citrus seeds contain certain compounds with various level of bitterness. These compounds have been tested against insects and proved to be effective. Oil is extracted from citrus seeds to use in skin lotions and shower gels. The hexane-extracted oil content of citrus seeds ranged from 27.0 to 36.5%. The protein, fiber and ash contents were found to be 3.9-9.6%, 5.0-8.5%, and 4.6-5.6%, respectively. The extracted oils exhibited an iodine value of 99.9-110.0; refractive index (40 C), 1.4639-1.4670; density (24 C), 0.920-0.941 mg/mL; saponification value, 180.9-198.9; unsaponifiable matter, 0.3-0.5%; acid value (mg KOH/g of oil), 0.5-2.2 and color (1-in. cell) 1.4-3.0R + 15.0-30.0Y. Consuming citrus seeds can kill parasites like threadworms. Plump, bright and flavorful, lemons serve as the stars in many beverages and meals. But the tiny seeds are eventually responsible for all of those flavorful tarts, cold summer drinks and seafood toppers. The main characteristic of citrus seed is thorny branches, white flowers with purple edges. Medicinal property of lemon seed contains antioxidant activity, antifertility activity, hepato protective activity and others. Extracts from citrus seed were investigated for the radical scavenging activity and apoptotic effects in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells and non-malignant breast (MCF-12F) cells for the first time. This review presents update information gathered on scientifically screened plant parts used for different activity.