Abstract
The essential oil from C. aurantium has been widely studied due to its potential anxiolytic action on several receptors in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Although it presents variations in its phytochemical composition depending on its origin, we can highlight that many compounds remain present, such as linalool that demonstrated antagonistic activity on glutamatergic receptors, possible inhibitory action of noradrenaline and serotonin receptors, besides the ability to activate GABA receptors in association with some flavonoids present in the oil. It is globally known that the underlying pathology called anxiety influences worldwide as an antecedent of conflicting psychological and physical disorders, which are associated with various neuronal disorders. In this regard, the oil extracted from C. aurantium flowers shows a potential therapeutic application for the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, more studies are needed to elucidate its complete role on the CNS and to verify and prove its safety and efficacy profile.
Highlights
Essential oils are volatile substances that do not present viscosity and integrate the secondary metabolism of plants, produced in the leaves, roots, seeds, fruits, flowers and trunks, by secretory structures such as oil channels, among other specialized nuclei (Amravati & Suryawasnshi, 2011)
This is a interesting tree as it alone is capable of producing three distinct types of essential oils, the PetitGrain which is the essential oil obtained from the leaves of the tree and the small buds of the green fruit, the neroli, which is the oil resulting from the distillation of the flowers of the plant and the Bitter Orange essential oil which is the essence obtained by cold pressing the peels of the ripe fruit
The essential oils extracted from the leaves, flowers and fruits of C. aurantium are composed of several bioactive compounds and, among the pharmacological activities already described for the essential oil of C. aurantium, one can mention possible anxiolytic and antioxidant effects (Fonsêca, et al, 2019)
Summary
Essential oils are volatile substances that do not present viscosity and integrate the secondary metabolism of plants, produced in the leaves, roots, seeds, fruits, flowers and trunks, by secretory structures such as oil channels, among other specialized nuclei (Amravati & Suryawasnshi, 2011). Among the hundreds of essential oils currently marketed, we have the oils extracted from the Bitter Orange tree (Citrus aurantium), a species of citrus fruit that belongs to the botanical family Rutaceae (Sousa et al, 2015). This is a interesting tree as it alone is capable of producing three distinct types of essential oils, the PetitGrain which is the essential oil obtained from the leaves of the tree and the small buds of the green fruit, the neroli, which is the oil resulting from the distillation of the flowers of the plant and the Bitter Orange essential oil which is the essence obtained by cold pressing the peels of the ripe fruit. Preclinical studies suggest that some essential oils, such as C. aurantium do not act by conventional mechanism, which may become the motivation for studies that can confirm and leverage a more current therapeutic class and different from the anxiolytics already available on the market, and may be an alternative to benzodiazepines. (Sousa et al, 2015)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
