Comparative phytochemical analysis and total phenolic content in citrus fruit peel (Citrus sinensis and Citrus limon)

Abstract

Plants are valuable source of natural products for maintaining health in human beings. Phytochemicals present in plant extracts have potential antioxidant, antimicrobial properties which may be useful in therapeutic applications. This study aims to compare and analyse the phytochemicals and estimate the phenolic content in two varieties citrus fruit peel namely sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and lemon (Citrus limon). The peels of Citrus sinensis and Citrus limon were collected and the total phenolic content was calculated using Follin ciolcaletu’s reagent. The phytochemicals such as phylobatannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids were present in the citrus fruit peels extract. The amount of terpenoids was found in greater amount in lemon peel than in orange peel. It was also found that alkaloids were present in greater amount than the other phytochemicals in orange and lemon peel. Preliminary photochemical analysis and estimation of total phenolic content was done in Citrus fruit peel. Thus, it is established that orange and lemon peel can be used medicinally for their antibacterial and anti cancerous activities due to the presence of significant amount of alkaloids in them.