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Review
. 2025 Jun 9;17(6):761.
doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17060761.

Etrog Citron (Citrus medica) as a Novel Source of Antimicrobial Agents: Overview of Its Bioactive Phytochemicals and Delivery Approaches

Arik Dahan  1 , Ludmila Yarmolinsky  1 , Faina Nakonechny  2 , Olga Semenova  2 , Boris Khalfin  1 , Shimon Ben-Shabat  1
Affiliations
Review

Etrog Citron (Citrus medica) as a Novel Source of Antimicrobial Agents: Overview of Its Bioactive Phytochemicals and Delivery Approaches

Arik Dahan et al. Pharmaceutics. .

Abstract

The rising prevalence of bacterial antibiotic resistance remains a significant challenge, while many existing antibacterial agents exhibit limited efficacy and notable adverse effects. Edible plants offer a promising avenue for developing novel antimicrobial drugs and preservatives. Etrog citron (Citrus medica L.) and its bioactive phytochemicals have demonstrated activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. However, the potential application of these compounds is hindered by factors such as poor solubility, limited bioavailability, and unclear mechanisms of action. This review consolidates key findings on the antimicrobial properties of extracts and essential oils derived from different parts of Citrus medica, emphasizing strategies for improving the delivery of these bioactive compounds.

Keywords: Citrus medica; Etrog citron; antibacterial properties; coumarins; flavonoids; terpenes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical composition of C. medica.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The delivery approaches that enhance the antimicrobial effects of phytochemicals, identified in C. medica.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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