ABSTRACT
Citrus oils are largely employed as aromatizers in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In particular, lemon and bergamot essential oils are used in the cosmetic industry, for the production of perfumes, detergents and body-care products, mostly thanks to their fragrance and solvent properties. Besides, they are present in various pharmaceutical preparations for gynaecological, ophthalmic and surgical use, as also in dentistry, because of their well-known antiseptic properties. Apart from being used as disinfectants, thanks to just these antimicrobial properties, recent studies point out the possibility of employing citrus essential oils and/or their active principles in clinical fields (also due to their wide range of activity and their reduced resistance phenomena), but also as preservatives in the food industry and as alternative pesticides in integrated programmes.
