A review of genetic taxonomy, biomolecules chemistry and bioactivities of Citrus hystrix DC

Abstract

Citrus hystrix DC. with common name makrut lime or kafir lemon, is a very popular traditional medicinal plant as well as an important spice in Asiatic countries. The plant is native of the Indonesian island Sumbawa, then, it is cultivated in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the tropical region of Asia. It mainly contains essential oil and phenolic compounds. The most intense odor compounds of kafir lemon are Citronellal, L-Linalool, 1,8-Cineole , á-Terpeneol and ä-Cadinene. Such as Citrusosides-A and furanocoumarines, Makrut lime content also non-volatile compounds like alkaloids and glyceroglycolipids. Citrus hystrix DC has many biological activities due to its volatile and nonvolatile compounds, and it has been used in traditional medicine for treating various illnesses, particularly cold pain and stomach disorder. It is also used as a juice for its fruit or as spice for its aromatic leaves. This review covers data on the chemistry and biological effects of Citrus hystrix DC biomolecules, and aims to lay the foundation for further study on the extraction enhancement of these biomolecules and more useful formulations.