Citrus Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms
Pooja Agarwal,
Zahra Sebghatollahi,
Mehnaz Kamal,
Archana Dhyani,
Alpana Shrivastava,
Kiran Kumari Singh,
Mukty Sinha,
Neelima Mahato,
Awdhesh Kumar Mishra,
Kwang-Hyun Baek
Affiliations
Pooja Agarwal
Division of Chemistry, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida 203 201, Uttar Pradesh, India
Zahra Sebghatollahi
Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food Industries, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1477893855, Iran
Mehnaz Kamal
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
Archana Dhyani
Department of Applied Sciences, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248 007, Uttarakhand, India
Alpana Shrivastava
Department of Botany, Sri Shankar College, (A Constituent Unit of V.K.S.U., Ara), Rohtas, Sasaram 821 115, Bihar, India
Kiran Kumari Singh
Department of Geography, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 151001, Bihar, India
Mukty Sinha
Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad 382 355, Gandhinagar, India
Neelima Mahato
School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Awdhesh Kumar Mishra
Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Kwang-Hyun Baek
Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Citrus is one of the main fruit crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Approximately half (40–47%) of the fruit mass is inedible and discarded as waste after processing, which causes pollution to the environment. Essential oils (EOs) are aromatic compounds found in significant quantities in oil sacs or oil glands present in the leaves, flowers, and fruit peels (mainly the flavedo part). Citrus EO is a complex mixture of ~400 compounds and has been found to be useful in aromatic infusions for personal health care, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, color enhancers in foods and beverages, and aromatherapy. The citrus EOs possess a pleasant scent, and impart relaxing, calming, mood-uplifting, and cheer-enhancing effects. In aromatherapy, it is applied either in message oils or in diffusion sprays for homes and vehicle sittings. The diffusion creates a fresh feeling and enhances relaxation from stress and anxiety and helps uplifting mood and boosting emotional and physical energy. This review presents a comprehensive outlook on the composition, properties, characterization, and mechanism of action of the citrus EOs in various health-related issues, with a focus on its antioxidant properties.
