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In vitro activities of Citrus medica L. cv. Diamante (Diamante citron) relevant to treatment of diabetes and Alzheimer's disease
Author(s) -
Conforti Filomena,
Statti Giancarlo Antonio,
Tundis Rosa,
Loizzo Monica Rosa,
Menichini Francesco
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.2077
Subject(s) - rutaceae , antioxidant , dpph , traditional medicine , limonene , chemistry , pharmacology , medicine , food science , biochemistry , essential oil , biology , botany
The present study showed for the first time the in vitro properties (antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and anticholinesterase) of Citrus medica L. cv. Diamante which belongs to the Rutaceae family. The n ‐hexane extract of Diamante citron peel is characterized by the presence of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The most abundant constituents were two monoterpenes: limonene and γ ‐terpinene. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity that was carried out using different assays (DPPH test, β ‐carotene bleaching test and bovine brain peroxidation assay). Oxidative damage, caused by the action of free radicals, may initiate and promote the progression of a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Diamante citron peel extract showed hypoglycaemic activity and an anticholinesterase effect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.