Phytochemicals from Citrus Limon Juice as Potential Antibacterial Agents

Abstract

Background: Citrus limon (lemon) belongs to the Rutaceae family and has great therapeutic applications. The chemical ingredients of C. limon have been used in the formulation of several ethnic herbal medicines. The application of antibiotics has shown the development of drug resistance in antibacterial drugs. Due to the drug-resistant nature of microorganisms, there is an urgent need to develop a novel drug active against wildtype and MDR resistant strains of pathogens. Aim: The present study is an endeavor to characterize the juice of C. limon towards its total antioxidants potential activity (FRAP), DPPH and antibacterial efficacy. Methods and Materials: The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using different bacterial species such as Salmonella typhi, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Citrobacter species, Shigella flexneri and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Results: The results of the present study indicated the antibacterial potential of C. limon fruit juice. Among the tested bacterial species, Shigella flexneri displayed maximum inhibition followed by the other microbes such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Citrobacter species and Salmonella typhi. Conclusion: These findings may be utilized in the development of cost effective, safe and efficient novel drugs active against several pathogenic multi drug-resistant microorganisms.