Abstract
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 gamma-terpinene. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity that was carried out using different assays (DPPH test, beta-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.
MeSH terms
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Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
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Animals
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Antioxidants / chemistry
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Antioxidants / isolation & purification
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Antioxidants / pharmacology*
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Cattle
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Cholinesterase Inhibitors / chemistry
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Cholinesterase Inhibitors / isolation & purification
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Cholinesterase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
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Citrus / chemistry*
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Cyclohexane Monoterpenes
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Cyclohexenes / chemistry
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Cyclohexenes / isolation & purification
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Hypoglycemic Agents / chemistry
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Hypoglycemic Agents / isolation & purification
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Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology*
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Limonene
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Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
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Monoterpenes / chemistry
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Monoterpenes / isolation & purification
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Plant Extracts / chemistry
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Plant Extracts / isolation & purification
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Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
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Terpenes / chemistry
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Terpenes / isolation & purification
Substances
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Antioxidants
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Cholinesterase Inhibitors
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Cyclohexane Monoterpenes
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Cyclohexenes
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Hypoglycemic Agents
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Monoterpenes
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Plant Extracts
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Terpenes
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gamma-terpinene
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Limonene