The Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Citrus sinensis 'Maltese Half-Blood' Essential Oil Peels Extracted and Optimized by Response-Surface Methodology.

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the phytochemical and pharmacological potentials of the optimized Citrus sinensis 'Maltese half-blood' essential oils peels (CsEO) extraction yields using Response-Surface Methodology (RSM). Citrus fruits have been a valuable economic crop for thousands of years. Furthermore, citrus essential oils are significant in the perfume, food, and beverage sectors, as well as aromatherapy and medical medicines. There have been few investigations on Citrus sinensis 'Maltese half-blood' essential oil. Citrus sinensis 'Maltese half-blood' essential oil peels (CsEO) extraction yields were performed by hydro-distillation and optimized by using Response-Surface Methodology (RSM). The oils were analysed by GC-MS. Different chemical tests were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. The healing potential was evaluated using models' wounds on Wistar rats. The RSM optimization demonstrated the highest yield of CsEO of 6.89 g/100 g d.b. All three tested factors significantly influenced the CsEO extraction yield: washing saline solution concentration, washings number, and drying percentage of peels. Significant antioxidant activities were noted in CsEO: the DPPH assay reported an IC50 of 0.225 ±0.014 mL/mg, the FRAP assay showed an IC50 of 0.235 ±0.001, and the NO assay was an IC50 in order of 0.259 ±0.019. CsEO was not genotoxic and considerably decreased the levels of DNA lesions induced by oxidants. Also, applying a cream with CsEO on wounds promotes significantly rapid wound healing. CsEO could be considered a rich natural source of antioxidants and bio-compounds to accelerate wound healing. It can be used in pharmaceutical sectors as an alternative to synthetic chemicals.