Citrus plant essential oils have important economic value, and many studies have studied the chemical composition of the essential oils of the peel, leaves and flowers of different citrus varieties. It is worth noting that due to different sources, genetic background, seasons, climate, age, maturity stage, extraction methods, etc., there are certain differences in the composition of citrus essential oils.
The main ingredient in essential oils of citrus plants
Key ingredients include dextral limonene, γ-terpinolene, linalool, linaloyl acetate, α-terpineol, (E)-β-basilene, isostilpinene, β-pine, etc.
Sweet orange, bitter orange, citrus, orange and other essential oils are rich in monoterpenoids, the main component is d-limonene (65.3-95.9%). The main components in bitter orange leaf essential oil are linaloyl acetate and linalool, while the main component in neroli essential oil is linalool, followed by d-limonene and linaloyl acetate.
Some citrus essential oils are prepared by pressing, which leads to the presence of non-volatile components, mainly bergamot, epoxy bergamot, isopigenin, anisin, pre-oxidized procosin and so on.
1. d-Limonene (dextrin)
D-limonene has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. It has no acute toxicity, nephrotoxicity, or carcinogenicity.
2. C-Terpinene (c-萜品烯)
γ-Terpine is an antioxidant that is neither irritating nor sensitive.
3. Linalool (Linalool)
Linalool is a sedative, antidepressant, anti-cancer, antifungal and insecticidal essential oil. It is non-toxic and does not irritate the skin.
4. Linalyl Acetate (Linaloyl Acetate)
Linaloyl acetate has an anesthetic effect. It is non-toxic and has minimal irritation to the skin.
5. α-Terpineol (α-Terpinol)
α-Terpinol has anti-cancer activity. Non-irritating at 1-15% concentration.
6. Geranyl Acetate
Geroxyl acetate has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial activities. It is neither toxic nor carcinogenic.
7. Terpinolene (isothrexone)
Isoxonolene is an antioxidant. It is neither irritating nor sensitive at 20% concentration.
8. β-Pinene(b-蒎烯)
β-pinene has antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects. It is not mutagenic or genotoxic. It is usually non-irritating and non-allergenic.