Citral

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 05.04.2024

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Synonym(s)

Geranial; Neral

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Citral is the mixture of the cis-trans isomers geranial (citral A) and neral (citral B). Neral and geranial belong chemically to the group of acyclic monoterpene aldehydes .

Citral as a flavoring agent: Citral is a pale yellowish liquid and is widely used as a fragrance and flavoring agent. Citral has an intense lemon aroma and has antifungal properties. Citral is the main component of lemongrass oil. Citral is also a basic ingredient in many liqueurs. It is the main active principle in lemon balm tea.

Citral as a pheromone: Citral is the alarm pheromone of the leaf-cutter ant. Neral is released as a volatile pheromone by house dust mites (D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae).

Cosmetics: Citral (INCI) is used as a flavoring and fragrance for artificial lemon oils. The mixture is almost insoluble in water. Citral has an irritating effect on the skin in concentrations of 1 % or more.

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

Citral has a medium allergological potential.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Head MC et al (2014) Evaluation of Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Action of Citral against Candida albicans. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med doi: 10.1155/2014/378280
  2. Zheng S et al (2015) Citral exerts its antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum by affecting the mitochondrial morphology and function. Food Chem178:76-81

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Last updated on: 05.04.2024