Zanthoxylum limonella
belongs to the family of aromatic deciduous trees and shrubs,
Rutaceae. In
traditional medicine practice, various parts of
Z. limonella are used for the treatment of dental caries,
febrifugal, sudorific, rheumatism, diuretic, stomach ache and diarrhea. Secondary metabolites have
been isolated the stems, stem barks, and fruits. The plant contains alkaloid, amide, lignin, coumarin and
terpenoid compounds. The extracts of the various parts, essential oil from the fruits and some pure
compounds of
Z. limonella have been found to have biological activities, for example, mosquito repellent
and mosquito larvicidal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumour properties. This review compiles
some scientific information on botanical description, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and
biological activities of
Z. limonella.
