Using Citrus limon Extract and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties

Saad Ali Hussein Al-Akabi (Diyala Education Directorate, Ministry of Education, Diyala)
Aliea K. Al-Masoodi (Department of Biology, College of Education of Pure Science, University of Diyala)
Ibtisam Abdulnabi Jasim (Department of Biology, College of Education of Pure Science, University of Diyala)

Academia Open
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): December

General Background: The escalating prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the exploration of natural antimicrobial alternatives. Specific Background: Citrus limon (lemon) peel contains bioactive phytochemicals with potential antibacterial properties, yet systematic evaluation against clinical isolates remains limited. Knowledge Gap: Comparative efficacy of different extraction solvents and their mechanisms against multidrug-resistant pathogens require comprehensive investigation. Aims: This study evaluated antibacterial activities of aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts of C. limon peel against clinically isolated Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results: Ethanolic extract demonstrated superior antibacterial activity with inhibition zones of 19.5 ± 0.3 mm against S. aureus and 18.7 ± 0.3 mm against E. coli, exhibiting lower minimum inhibitory concentration (12.5–50 mg/mL) and minimum bactericidal concentration (25–100 mg/mL) compared to other extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed abundant flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids responsible for membrane disruption and enzyme inhibition. Novelty: This research provides empirical evidence of solvent-dependent extraction efficiency from Iraqi cultivars against local clinical isolates. Implications: These findings support the development of cost-effective, environmentally sustainable natural antibacterial agents for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food preservation applications, particularly addressing multidrug resistance challenges.Highlight : Ethanolic extract demonstrated highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli with lowest MIC and MBC values. Bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, tannins, and vitamin C contribute to antibacterial mechanisms. Lemon peel extracts showed effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, indicating potential for pharmaceutical and food preservation applications. Keywords : Citrus Limon, Lemon Peel, Antibacterial Activity, Multi-Drug Resistance, Natural Antibiotics