Key Bioactive Compounds

Citrus peel is rich in:

• Phenolic compounds
• Essential oils (limonene, α-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool)
• Flavonoid glycosides
• Coumarins
• Pectins
• Triterpenes
• Carotenoids
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

Pharmacological & Functional Properties

Citrus peel exhibits multiple beneficial effects, including:
✔ Insecticidal & acaricidal – Effective against mites and pests

✔ Antimicrobial – Inhibits harmful bacteria and fungi

✔ Antioxidant – Protects cells from oxidative damage

✔ Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation

✔ Analgesic – Provides mild pain relief

✔ Anticancer potential – Contains bioactive compounds with antitumor properties

Use in Agriculture & Beekeeping

• Natural pest repellent – Used in organic farming to deter insects.
• Varroa & Acarapis mite control – Citrus peel extract is effective against:
  • Varroa destructor (varroosis)
  • Acarapis woodi (acarapidosis)
• American foulbrood suppression – Limonene inhibits Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood.

Mechanism of Action

The essential oils in citrus peel (particularly limonene, α-pinene, β-myrcene, and linalool) disrupt mites' nervous systems, leading to their elimination. Additionally, these compounds exhibit strong antibacterial effects.

Application in Beekeeping

• Hive treatment – Applied as a spray or evaporative solution.
• Feed additive – Mixed with sugar syrup for preventive care.

Composition

100% citrus peel extract (concentrate)