Synonym: Cortex limonis

Biological source: Lemon peel is the outer part of the pericarp of the ripe fruits of Citrus limonis belonging to family Rutaceae

Geographical source: It is indigenous to North India, Spain Italy and Sicily.

Macroscopic characters:

• Colour: Fresh lemon peel: Outer surface is bright yellow, internally white

  • • • • Dried peels: the outer surface is yellow and inner surface pithy white

• Odour: Strong, fragrant, aromatic and characteristic

• Taste: Aromatic bitter

• Shape:

• • • • Oblong ovoid the peel are irregular in shape and are found in the form of trips or pieces.

      • The outer surface is rough due to the presence of numerous minute pits representing oil glands.

      • The inner surface is with white spongy pericarp. The fracture is short in dried lemon peel.

• Size: 5 to 12 cm in length

Uses:

• It is a carminative and stimulant and oil is used as perfuming and flavouring agent.

• It is also used for extraction of pectin and volatile oil.

References:

1. Trease D. & Evans W.C.: Text Book of Pharmacognosy: W.B. Saunders.

2. Tyler V. E. Brady L. R. & Robbers J. E.: Pharmacognosy; Lea Feibger, USA.

3. Wallis T. E.; Text Book of Pharmacognosy; CBS Publishers, Delhi.

4. Kokate C. K., Purohit A. P. & Gokhale S. B.: Pharmacognosy; Nirali Publications, Pune.

5. Harbone J. B.: Phytochemical Methods: A guide to modern techniques Analysis: Chapman & Hall, London.

6. Bruneton J.: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants: Intercept Limited.