Essential NoseKaffir Lime Leaf
Kaffir lime leaf essential oil (Citrus hystrix) is steam-distilled from the distinctive double-lobed leaves and is dominated by beta-citronellal (up to 80%), with linalool and citronellol also present. It is distinct from the peel oil. Beta-citronellal gives the oil potent insect-repellent and antimicrobial activity.[1] The high citronellal content also confers strong antifungal properties documented against Candida and dermatophyte species.[2]
Makrut Lime Leaf
Citrus hystrix
- Also Known As
- Kaffir Lime Leaf, Thai Lime Leaf
- Family
- Citrus
- Perfumery Note
- Top
- Intensity
- Medium
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Leaves
- Origins
- Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia
- Effect
- Focus & Mental Clarity, Respiratory Support, Energy & Uplifting
- Aroma
- Citrus, Fresh, Zesty
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Culinary, Haircare
- Price
- $$$$Leaves are steam-distilled in small batches in Southeast Asia; the limited scale of dedicated leaf distillation keeps it at a moderate price point
Kaffir lime leaf essential oil (Citrus hystrix) is steam-distilled from the distinctive double-lobed leaves and is dominated by beta-citronellal (up to 80%), with linalool and citronellol also present. It is distinct from the peel oil. Beta-citronellal gives the oil potent insect-repellent and antimicrobial activity.[1] The high citronellal content also confers strong antifungal properties documented against Candida and dermatophyte species.[2]
Combava
Citrus hystrix
- Also Known As
- Kaffir Lime Peel, Makrut Lime
- Family
- Citrus
- Perfumery Note
- Top
- Intensity
- Strong
- Extraction
- Cold Pressed
- Plant Parts
- Fruit peel
- Origins
- Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam
- Effect
- Focus & Mental Clarity, Respiratory Support, Energy & Uplifting
- Aroma
- Citrus, Intense, Zesty
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Perfumery, Culinary
- Price
- $$$$The bumpy, low-juice fruit is less abundant than standard limes and requires specialized distillation batches.
Combava essential oil from the peel of Citrus hystrix is characterised by beta-pinene, sabinene, and limonene as dominant monoterpenes, with citronellal more prominent in the leaf oil. The peel oil has demonstrated antibacterial activity against clinical multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates and broad Gram-positive pathogens.[3] The chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of New Caledonian C. hystrix peel oil have been characterised in detail, confirming activity against a panel of common food-borne pathogens.[4]
References
- [1]Chemical composition and bioactivity of Citrus hystrix leaf oil — Srisukh V et al. Journal of Health Research, 2009
- [2]Antifungal activity of citronellal against Candida spp. — Bezerra DP et al. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2008
- [3]Antibacterial activity of essential oil extracted from Citrus hystrix (Kaffir Lime) peels: An in vitro study — Pitija K et al. Foods, 2021
- [4]Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from New Caledonian Citrus macroptera and Citrus hystrix — Tomi F et al. Nat Prod Commun, 2010