Patcharawan Srisilapanan¹, Donlatham Prommasen¹, Paphaon Kheawseema¹, Tanrada Likitsatian²

For correspondence:-  Tanrada Likitsatian   Email: tanrada_lik@nation.ac.th   Tel:+66649262452

Received: 27 May 2026        Accepted: 20 October 2026        Published: 31 October 2026

Citation: Srisilapanan P, Prommasen D, Kheawseema P, Likitsatian T. Phytochemical complexity and antimicrobial resistance modulation of Zanthoxylum limonella essential oil in oral health: A membrane-targeted review. Trop J Pharm Res 2026; 25(10):1479-1488 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v25i10.15

© 2026 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To summarize current evidence based on knowledge of the phytochemical composition, membrane-targeted antimicrobial mechanisms, and potential oral health applications of Zanthoxylum limonella essential oil, with particular investigation into its biological activities against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Methods: A literature search was carried out using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search mainly focused on peer-reviewed original research articles and review articles that were published between 2000 and 2025; where appropriate, relevant grey literature concerning the antimicrobial properties of Z. limonella was also incorporated. Results: Essential oil extracted from the fruit of Z. limonella primarily consists of lipophilic monoterpenes, including limonene, sabinene, and terpinen-4-ol, which exhibit notable antibacterial activity. This activity extends to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. Terpenoid compounds from Z. limonella disrupt bacterial phospholipid bilayers, increase membrane fluidity, dissipate the proton motive force (PMF), and impair ATP synthesis. Findings from a randomized crossover clinical trial reviewed in this article demonstrate that a 0.5 % alcohol-free mouthwash containing Z. limonella essential oil reduced both plaque and gingival indices. These results suggest potential biofilm-modulating effects in addition to direct bactericidal activity. Conclusion: This review has demonstrated that essential oil from Z. limonella is a membrane-active phytochemical system which has considerable antimicrobial activity and potential for modifying oral biofilms. Before it can be developed translationally as an adjuvant oral antimicrobial agent, biochemical validation and standardized clinical trials are necessary.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, Essential oil, Membrane disruption, Oral biofilm, Phytochemical synergy, Terpenoids, Zanthoxylum limonella

Impact Factor
Thompson Reuters (ISI): 0.6 (2023)
H-5 index (Google Scholar): 49 (2023)