Antimicrobial Activity of Lemon (citrus Limonum) Juice on Some Pathogenic Microorganisms

According to presence of biological active compounds in lemon plant and use of this plant in traditional medicine, it seems that this plant possesses considerable antibacterial activity. The purpose of this study was investigating the antibacterial activity of fruit juice extract of Citrus limonum. The antibacterial activity of the extract on three strains of bacteria was determined by both agar well diffusion method. The extract was variously bacteriostatic and bactericidal against Shigella, Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin and Erythromycin were used as controls. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs) were determined in three concentrations; 100 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, 300 mg/ml and 400 mg/ml of each extract. Mean zone of inhibition was used to measure the antimicrobial potential of the extracts against Salmonella, Shigella and Escherichia coli respectively. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and phytosteriods were detected. The ethanol juice extract showed antimicrobial activity at the concentration of 400 mg/ml, and intermediate antimicrobial activity at the concentration of 400 mg/ml against all isolates tested. The results of preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of phytochemicals which could be used as medical regimens. Citrus limonum has demonstrated antimicrobial properties which could be harnessed for the control of pathogens tested.