Effect of Citrus limon (lemon) Peels and Seeds on Bacteria Isolated From Nose

Abstract

Citrus peels are the main waste from citrus processing companies. Waste from citrus processing accounts for more than 50% of the total fruit weight. This huge waste must be converted into useful and economical products. Study investigated the antibacterial effects of Citrus limon peels(rind) and seeds against bacteria isolated from the noses of students at a higher education institution. Bacteria isolated from nasal swabs were identified by culture and biochemical tests. Sensitivity testing was performed using diffusion in agar wells. Phytochemical tests of lemon peel and seeds were performed by standard methods. Thirty-two bacteria were isolated and identified from the students' nasal samples. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent organism. The methanolic lemon peel extract was the most active against the isolated bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 6.25 mg/ml and 12.5 mg/ml against S. epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. The qualitative phytochemical tests results of the peels and seeds included alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroids. Lemon peel extract was active against bacteria isolated from the nose.