Antimicrobial activity of limonene: Integrative review

Abstract

Limonene is the main component of citrus essential oils, and can reach a concentration of up to 96%. Popularly known for its potential therapeutic effects on the body, among these we point out its broad antimicrobial activity against various types of pathogens. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to address the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of limonene compared to microorganisms of interest in dentistry, based on a bibliometric study and literature review. The following databases were analyzed: PubMed, Google Scholar, SciELO and Science Direct, from which ten articles published between 2011-2021 were selected. Most of results indicate a satisfactory antimicrobial potential, besides providing important data and perspectives regarding the indication and clinical use, in addition to innovative therapeutic modalities for diseases that affect the oral cavity, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease and candidosis.