Kashaf ul Khair 1, Zunaira Khalid 1, Muhammad Ahmad 2* and Muhammad Mazhar Ali 3
1Department of Botany, The University of Lahore, Sargodha Campus, 40100, Sargodha, Pakistan; 2Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan; 3Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
*Corresponding author: ahmaduaf2013@gmail.com
The citrus fruit, known as lemon (Citrus limon), is widely cultivated for its numerous medicinal and nutritional benefits. Vitamins C and B, potassium, and flavonoid phytochemicals that give lemons their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties are among the essential nutrients found in abundance in lemons. About 17 constituents were found in the lemon peel essential oil, primarily limonene (68.65%) and ?-terpinene (10.81%). Similarly, the orange peel essential oil contained eight components, primarily limonene (95.51%) and ?-myrcene (1.98%). Citrus acid, polyphenols, terpenes, limonene, flavonoids, vitamin C, sugar, pectin, citric acid, malic acid, carotenoids, terpineol, filander, compendium, citrine, calcium oxalates, and mucilage are among the many phytochemicals found in its fruit. In addition to substantial levels of aldehydes (citral), alcohols (linalool), and esters (coumarin), lemon oil is primarily composed of 70% limonene and 20% monoterpenes. Flavonoids, glycosides, coumarins, beta, gamma, and gamma steroids, as well as volatile oils, are all found in high amounts in lemon peel and are essential for proper growth and overall health. The fruit's peels, which are sometimes discarded, are a rich source of essential oils and polyphenols with a variety of health benefits, and their high citric acid content aids digestion and enhances flavor. These components highlight the lemon's role as a functional food with strong therapeutic potential by demonstrating preventive effects against conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The goal of the current study was to review the phytochemical composition, nutritional value, and medicinal applications of Citrus limon (lemon).