Common names | orange blossom

Scientific name | Citrus aurantium dulcis

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | gallic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, rutin, naringin, quercetin

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-microbial

Product name | Orange Blossom-APD, Orange Blossom-ANB

Plant Story

Sweet orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis or C. sinensis) is one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. C. aurantium dulcis is an evergreen tree native to subtropical Asia and now cultivated in other regions including the Americas. Sweet oranges are primarily consumed as foods, such as fresh fruit, processed foods, and to add zesty flavor. Additionally, sweet oranges have been used for medicinal purposes, including to relieve fever and catarrh and to treat stomach and intestinal complaints, acne, and anorexia.

It was reported that orange blossoms contain phenolic compounds such as gallic, caffeic, and syringic acids, as well as flavonoids including rutin, naringin, and quercetin. Volatile compounds such as linalool were also identified. In addition, acetone and methanolic extracts of orange blossom inhibited the growth of Klebsiella and Escherichia coli, indicating its anti-microbial properties.