Effect of Citrus Lemon Peels on Selected Fungal Pathogens

ABSTRACT This study investigates the phytochemical composition, and antifungal properties of methanolic extracts from Citrus limon (lemon) peels against selected fungal pathogens. The main aim of the study is to determine the effect of citrus lemon peels extracts against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. The analysis showed a 22.0% extraction efficiency, highlighting methanol as an effective solvent for extracting bioactive compounds from lemon peels. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated a diverse composition of active metabolites, with concentrations of phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which are associated with antimicrobial properties. concentrations of terpenoids, anthraquinones, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, and steroids were also observed, enhancing the potential therapeutic applications of the extract. Antifungal activity assays demonstrated that the methanolic extract exhibited moderate efficacy against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, particularly at higher concentrations, while showing no inhibitory effects on Candida albicans. Compared to the reference antifungal agent Fluconazole, Citrus limon peel extracts displayed lower antifungal potency, suggesting their possible use as complementary agents. These findings underscore the potential of lemon peel extracts as a natural resource with bioactive compounds that may contribute to antifungal treatment strategies. The study recommended that antifungal potential of citrus lemon peel extracts should be evaluated against a broader range of fungal pathogens including different strains of candida and other opportunistic fungi, to assess it’s broader applicability.