Comparison of Essential Oils Compositions of Citrus maxima Merr. Peel Obtained by Cold Press and Vacuum Stream Distillation Methods and of Its Peel and Flower Extract Obtained by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction Method and Their Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

The oils and extracts of the fruit peels of pomelo (Citrus maxima Merr. cultivar ‘khao-yai’) were obtained by cold-pressing (CP), vacuum steam distillation (VSD) and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SC-CO2) and the extract of the flowers was obtained by SC-CO2. The composition of the oils and extracts of the peel and flower were determined by GC and GC/MS. Fifty, 53 and 60 components of the oils and extract from peels by CP, VD and SC-CO2 were identified, respectively. Their main components were limonene (93.4–95.4%). Fifty-one components of the flower extract were identified and the main component was also limonene (86.2–86.8%). The oils and extract of pomelo showed fairly good activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.