Aurantium Fruit Research Articles

Metabolic profiling and enzyme inhibitory activity of the essential oil of citrus aurantium fruit peel

BackgroundBitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is a fruiting shrub native to tropical and subtropical countries around the world and cultivated in many regions due to its nutraceutical value. The current study investigated the metabolic profiling and enzyme inhibitory activities of volatile constituents derived from the C. aurantium peel cultivated in Egypt by three different extraction methods.MethodsThe volatile chemical constituents of the peel of C. aurantium were isolated using three methods; steam distillation (SD), hydrodistillation (HD), and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD), and then were investigated by GC-MS. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by different assays such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, and phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating potential. Moreover, the effect of enzyme inhibition of the three essential oils was tested using BChE, AChE, tyrosinase, glucosidase, as well as amylase assays.ResultsA total of six compounds were detected by GC/MS analysis. The major constituent obtained by all three extraction methods was limonene (98.86% by SD, 98.68% by HD, and 99.23% by MAHD). Differences in the composition of the compounds of the three oils were observed. The hydrodistillation technique has yielded the highest number of compounds, notably two oxygenated monoterpenes: linalool (0.12%) and α-terpineol acetate (0.1%).ConclusionIn our study differences in the extraction methods of C. aurantium peel oils resulted in differences in the oils’ chemical composition. Citrus essential oils and their components showed potential antioxidant, anticholinesterase, antimelanogenesis, and antidiabetic activities. The presence of linalool and α-terpineol acetate may explain the superior activity observed for the oil isolated by HD in both radical scavenging and AChE inhibition assays, as well as in the enzyme inhibition assays.

Standardization parameters and synergism of source plant materials for the antidiabetic efficacy of the Rauvolfia-Citrus tea

The introduction of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)-based therapies has greatly improved the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), as they ensure good blood glucose control and promote weight loss. Ingestion of standardized herbal remedies that promote the same endogenous metabolic processes affected by the GLP-1-based treatments could provide cheaper alternatives in low- and middle-income countries, where there is currently an increase in the incidence of T2D. The focus in this study was to determine quality control parameters and the prime factors for the Rauvolfia-Citrus tea (RC-tea), as used in Nigerian traditional medicine to treat T2D. We have previously shown that the RC-tea that is made by boiling leaves of Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. and fruits of Citrus aurantium L. causes normalization of blood glucose and reduction of ectopic lipid accumulation in genetic diabetic (BKS-db) mice and in humans with T2D. The standardized RC-tea was made by boiling 40 g dried R. vomitoria foliage and 200 g fresh C. aurantium fruits per litre. The resulting golden-brown extract is free of microbial contamination, has pH 5 and contains ca. 230 mg naringin (marker compound for C. aurantium) and 25 mg robinin (marker compound for R. vomitoria) per litre. In addition, the herbal extract has the characteristic HPLC-DAD fingerprint where the marker compounds, naringin and robinin have retention times of approximately 26.3 min and 26.9 min, respectively, when using the outlined column and gradient elution conditions. Comparative evaluations of the antidiabetic effects of the standardized RC-tea and boiling water-extracts made with C. aurantium fruits alone (CA), R. vomitoria foliage alone (RV) and a combination of CA and RV, (CA + RV) in BKS-db mice, indicate that components from R. vomitoria foliage drive the reductions in ectopic lipid accumulation, since CA-treated mice lacked this effect. However, the normalization of blood glucose arises from combination of components from the two source plant materials as administration of either CA or RV resulted in hypoglycaemia. Interestingly, treatment with the CA + RV mixture, generated by mixing individually produced CA and RV plant extracts, resulted in hyperglycaemia, possibly due to drug-drug interactions of the blood glucose-reducing components in either plant extract. Hence, our data show that the best antidiabetic outcome results from the traditional practice of boiling R. vomitoria foliage and C. aurantium fruits together.

Formulation of pectin-Citrus aurantium essential oil-based packaging film and assessment of insecticidal performances against Rhyzopertha dominica on stored wheat

In stored wheat products, Rhyzopertha dominica (F) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is an important pest that results in significant economic losses. Insect physiology and behavior can be affected by bioactive compounds extracted from plant wastes, which are important tools for developing bioincesticides. The purpose of this study is to develop an insecticidal packaging film based on pectin and essential oil (EO) extracted from Citrus aurantium (L., 1753) fruit peels.The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and cumulative release (CR) of C. aurantium EO into pectin film were determined. Further, Film packaging was tested against Rhyzopertha dominica adults reared on Karim and Khiar durum wheat (Tritichum durum Desf.) varieties. The fumigant toxicity was assessed after 10, 20, 30 and 40 days of storage. Moreover, emergence inhibition of R. dominica adults was determined. In addition, germination rate, weight loss and grain damage were examined.Results revealed that the lethal concentration that killed 50 % of the exposed adults developed into karim and khiar varieties were 278.45 and 688.79 µL/L air, respectively. Moreover, high encapsulation efficiency of C. aurantium essential oil into pectin film with an EE = 80.6 %. Moreover, pectin: EO film achieved complete (100 %) mortality and emergence inhibition of R. dominica adults for all storage periods. Also, pectin: EO film represent the better treatment which preserve the quality and quantity of wheat grains as well as grain damage, weight loss and germination rate. To concludepectin- C. aurantium EO film showed a significant fumigant effect against R. dominica adults and the emergence of their descendants after different storage periods and could be recommended as an active ingredient for a natural packaging against stored product insects.

<i>In Silico</i> Computational Analysis of <i>Citrus aurantium</i> of <i>Thurunji manapagu</i> in Inhibiting the Receptor Target of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Against <i>Uratha Pitha Vatham</i> (Hypertension)

Citrus aurantium (Thurunji) is a tree cultivated in various parts of the world. The fruit pulp is used to make juices, marmalade and pickles. It is commonly used by tribes to treat digestive disorders, constipation, heaviness in the chest, prolapse of the uterus, anorexia, chest pain, cold, and cough. In the Siddha system of medicine, Citrus aurantium fruit pulp is used to prepare a formulation, syrup in consistency named Thurunji manapaagu indicated for diseases due to deranged pitha humor. According to the Siddha system of medicine Hypertension termed Uratha Pitha Vatham is an ailment that occurs due to an elevated pitham. Considering the facts an attempt of in silico docking study was done with the selected phytochemicals such as Linalool, Apigenin, Ichangin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Limonin, Limonene, Myrcene, Diosmetin and Tangeretin of Citrus aurantium against Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) and the results are detailed in this article.

Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemicals of Locally Consumed Plant Foods from Baguio City, Philippines

In the Philippines, Baguio City – known as the “City of Pines” – holds the country’s major source of temperate climate vegetables. With increased dietary awareness, the consumption of plant foods rich in antioxidants has become relevant. Twenty-nine methanolic extracts from Baguio-produced plant foods were evaluated for antioxidant potential using DPPH, ferric reduction antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelation, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, MTT reduction, and phytochemical tests. Fagopyrum tataricum leaves, Vaccinium myrtoides fruit, and Morus alba fruit showed the most effective DPP radical, concentration-dependent reducing power, but low metal chelating activity. Solanum tuberosum tuber (22.86±63.26%) showed effective concentration-dependent chelating activity at 125 μg/mL. Citrus aurantium fruit (26.77±9.24%) and Raphanus raphanistrum root (41.13±0.11%) demonstrated an effective scavenging activity against superoxide anions at 45.5 μg/mL. Significant nitric oxide scavenging activity was observed in some fruits. Brassica oleracea Cab leaves (54.36 ± 2.38%) showed the highest inhibitory activity against hydroxyl radicals at 166.7 μg/mL. Phytochemical analyses showed that most plant samples revealed the presence of glycosides, terpenes/terpenoids, and steroids/phytosterols, while few contained phenolic and tannin components. These phytochemicals may explain the dual behavior as an antioxidant or a prooxidant observed. Thus, determining food antioxidant component types and their concentration is necessary to maximize the potential to scavenge oxidants.

Evaluation of Cutaneous Wound Healing Activity of Citrus aurantium Fruit Peel Extract-based Ointment in Albino Rats

The current study was aimed to evaluate the wound healing activity of ethyl acetate extract of fruit peels of Citrus aurantium. An ethyl acetate extract of fruit peel of Citrus aurantium was loaded into an ointment base with three different concentrations (0.25% w/w, 0.5% w/w and 1%w/w) and tested for wound healing activity using excision wound model by measuring the healing area and dermal toxicity. Wound healing activity and histopathology studies confirmed that all the tested three concentrations of extract accelerate the wound healing process by decreasing the surface area of the wound and increases the muscle tensile strength. Out of tested ointments, 5% w/w concentration showed comparative activity with the standard. Hence, natural Citrus aurantium peel-based ointment is an alternative ointment in wound healing.

Yeni Tür Yeşil Korozyon İnhibitörü Olarak Citrus aurantium Meyve Kabukları Ekstraktının HCl Çözeltisindeki Yumuşak Çelik Korozyonu Üzerine Kararlı Etkisi

The role of Citrus aurantium fruit peel extract solution in the existing research is to investigate the effect as corrosion inhibitor on mild steel in the atmospheric environment with its eco-friendly and green effect. It was studied the inhibitor effect of Citrus aurantium utilizing linear polarization (LPR), potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The working electrodes were immersed in HCl solutions containing various concentrations of Citrus aurantium fruit peels extract in order to equilibrate the metal-solution interface for one hour before each measurement. The bitter orange fruit peels extract indicated a potent inhibitor influence as a consequence of one hour electrochemical tests, and with the raise of extract concentrations of Citrus aurantium fruit peels, the protection influence of mild steel electrodes in HCl solutions also enhanced. Finally, the surface morphologies of the working electrodes in aggressive HCl solutions without and with bitter orange fruit peels extract after one-hour immersion were analysed by an optical microscopy, it was concluded that the mild steel surface in the Citrus aurantium fruit peels extract solution had a flawless surface compared to the blank one. Experimental data and surface morphology results are highly consistent with each other.

Acute and Sub-chronic Toxicological Studies of Citrus aurantium Fruit Juice in Wistar Rats

Citrus aurantium remains an excellent source of vitamins and phytochemicals. C. aurantium has been associated with lots of medicinal uses ranging from weight management to the treatment of nausea, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This study therefore aimed at determining the acute and sub-chronic toxic effects of C. aurantium (Lemon) fruit juice in Wistar rats. The median lethal dose (LD50) for the extract was determined by Lorke’s method. A total of 20 rats of mean weight of 125 ± 5 g randomized into 4 groups of five rats each was used for the study. Groups B, C and D were administered 2ml/kg, 4ml/kg and 8ml/kg bodyweight of the extract for 3 months while group A served as the control. Random blood glucose levels of rats were monitored on monthly basis. Blood samples were collected for various biochemical assays like kidney and liver functions, serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and electrolyte levels using standard diagnostic methods. Results showed a lethal dose of 70ml/kg body weight. Creatinine and urea levels were observed to decrease markedly in groups C and D against control. Significant reductions in the liver function parameters were noted for the test groups when compared with the control with a comparative significant (p<0.05) increase in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase within the test groups. There was also a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides within the test groups as compared with the control. The findings suggest that prolonged administration of C. aurantium does not exert any serious chronic toxicity involving tissue and organ damage. It can also be inferred that the fruit juice of C. aurantium could be employed to remedy numerous maladies that affect the body based on the lethal dose.

Investigating the Contributions of Citrus Aurantium Fruits and Rauvolfia Vomitoria Foliage to the Antidiabetic Efficacy of the Rauvolfia-Citrus Tea

Investigating the Contributions of Citrus Aurantium Fruits and Rauvolfia Vomitoria Foliage to the Antidiabetic Efficacy of the Rauvolfia-Citrus Tea

The Effect of Environmentally Safe Nanosynthesis with Copper Particles by using Citrus aurantium Fruit Extract Against Harmful Mosquitoes

The global agricultural sector suffers from the damage due to insect pests on plants all over the world, forcing farmers to indiscriminately use mineral fertilisers and chemical pesticides that are toxic and affecting the environment, plants and animals, as well as causing serious health problems to farmers and consumers. Therefore, scientists and researchers were forced to investigate and discover new methods until they explored the field of nanoscience, which shows great potential for applications in diverse fields, including agriculture, chemicals and plant protection by controlling harmful insect pests. Therefore, a biological method was used to synthesise the laboratory-prepared copper nanoparticles that were tested on both eggs and larvae phases in mosquitoes as nanocides using acidic Citrus Nargin broth (10%). A total of 1 mM aqueous CuSO4 of the plant extract was reduced and synthesised into stable copper nanoparticles with an average size of less than 450 nm. Then, the composition, size and percentage of the synthesised nanoparticles were determined using ultraviolet spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, SEM and AFM techniques. The results of this study showed high mortality and a significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) for mosquito eggs and larvae when exposed to the nanocide, than those found in the extract of bitter leaves and the regular copper sulfate insecticide used in agriculture against insects. The results also showed a high relative efficiency of 100% with a highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) after exposure of insects and their different stages to the nanocide after 72 hours. We conclude from this study the possibility of synthesising nanoparticles using mineral compounds with natural, safe and environmentally friendly bio-plant extracts as insecticides for various agricultural pests.

Potential areas for the establishment of citrus leprosis virus vectors, Brevipalpus spp., in Mexico.

Citrus leprosis is a viral disease vectored by the mites Brevipalpus californicus and Brevipalpus yothersi. This work aimed to determine the potential areas for establishment of both mites and viruses in Mexico, based on the geographical distribution of the hosts and the climatic suitability for the vectors. Life tables of both mites were constructed to determine their thermal requirements-base temperature and degree-days required to complete life cycle-and population growth parameters-net reproduction rate, generation time, and intrinsic growth rate. For this, the mites were confined in Citrus aurantium fruits at 20, 22.5, 25 or 30°C, 60 ± 5% RH and L14:D10 h photoperiod. Maps were generated where the climatic suitability for establishment of the mites and the citrus leprosis viruses was estimated in citrus-producing municipalities. The climatic suitability was determined through historical temperature records to calculate the potential number of generations per year, and ecological niche modeling based on collecting localities and bioclimatic variables using the algorithm Maxent. The base temperature was 9.5°C for B. californicus and 10.2°C for B. yothersi; degree-days required to reach adulthood were 372.1 and 331.7°C, respectively. Potential sites for establishment of B. yothersi are mostly lowlands, whereas for B. californicus they are both lowlands and highlands. Temperature data indicate that B. californicus has fewer sites where it can develop > 16 generations per year than B. yothersi. According to our results, the sites where citrus leprosis is most likely to present high incidence are the sweet orange cultivars bordering the Gulf of Mexico.

Phenolics in Citrus aurantium fruit identified by UHPLC-MS/MS and their bioactivities

Sour orange (Citrus aurantium) is a popular fruit with health benefits. Phenolics are the dominant bioactive compounds in this fruit. However, the full phenolics composition remains unclear. In this work, UHPLC-MS/MS was used to qualify and quantify the phenolics in sour orange fruits of cv. Morocco (MSO) and United (USO). Fifty-eight phenolics, including 26 flavonoid glycosides, 22 polymethoxylated flavonoids, 8 coumarins and 2 phenolic acids, were identified. Four limonoids were characterized. Flavonoid glycosides were the leading phenolics in MSO, while polymethoxylated flavonoids (including nobiletin, tangeritin and sinensetin) were dominant in USO. The phenolic extracts showed good antioxidant activities. USO extract had a significantly (p < 0.05) stronger neuroprotective activity than MSO extract. Auraptene, nobiletin and tangeritin were highly responsible for the neuroprotective activity. The results were helpful for the development of functional foods with sour orange.

GC-MS Analysis and Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils Extracted From Fruit Peel of Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae) Grown in the West Anatolian Area

In this study, chemical composition and in vitro antibacterial and antifungal effects of essential oils extracted from fruit peel of Citrus aurantium L. grown in West Anatolian ecological conditions, were investigated. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined with the use of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method. Essential oils were obtained in a clevenger apparatus and their compositions were analysed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). According to the GC-MS results, dl-limonene (72.51%) and hexasiloxane (13.28%) were the major components in the essential oil obtained from C. aurantium Central population. Limonene (77.27%) and hexasiloxane (6.19%) dominated in the samples originated from Germencik region. Limonene (79.77%) was found to be in the highest concentration in the essential oil obtained from C. aurantium Kocarli population. Limonene (95.70%) followed by β‑myrcene (0.76%) were the major components of the essential oil obtained from Citrus aurantium Nazilli population. MIC values ranged from 2.5 to 5 µL/mL for gram (−) bacteria and from 0.3125 to 5 µL/mL for gram (+) bacteria. Essential oil from Germencik region generally showed the best effect against fungi. Essential oil obtained from Citrus aurantium fruit peel could be an alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents.

Protection of neuronal cell lines, antimicrobial and photocatalytic behaviours of eco-friendly TiO2 nanoparticles

Eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles is promising as a futuristic alternative for chemical and physical protocols. In the present investigation, TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesised using the peel extract of Citrus aurantium fruit for the first time. The biosynthesised TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques such as X- ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The crystal structure and phase purity of TiO2 nanoparticles were analysed using XRD. The optical properties and functional groups of TiO2 nanoparticles were investigated with the help of UV visible absorption and FT-IR analysis. The morphology and topography of TiO2 nanoparticles were examined through FE-SEM, TEM and AFM measurements. Biosynthesised TiO2 nanoparticles were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis (Gram-positive), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia (Gram- negative), Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger (Fungi) using agar well method. In addition, cytotoxicity study was performed through MTT assay, the cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis assays of cells by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation analysis. The photocatalytic behaviour against methylene blue dye was studied. Results of the present study revealed that biosynthesised TiO2 nanoparticles with an average size of 34 nm showed excellent antimicrobial, cell viability in PC12 cell lines (a combination of neuroblastic and eosinophilic cell lines) with IC50 ranged between 31.2–62.5 μg/ mL and excellent photo degradation property. Therefore, the present study concluded that biosynthesised TiO2 nanoparticles have potential antimicrobial, anti-apoptotic and photocatalytic behaviours towards neuronal cell lines.

Chemical variability, pharmacological potential, multivariate and molecular docking analyses of essential oils obtained from four medicinal plants

Essential oils (EOs) hold tremendous medicinal attributes and are greatly exploited industrially worldwide. In the present study, the chemical composition of five EOs prepared from four aromatic plants were revealed together with their inhibitory activities against five key clinical enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase). Limonene (84.3%) and sabinene (38.1%) were the most dominant constituents present in Citrus aurantium fruit peel and leaf EOs respectively. Turmerone (31.4%), ar-turmerone (16.1%), and turmerol (14.6%) were the principal components identified in Curcuma longa rhizome EO. Additionally, Morinda citrifolia fruit EO was abundant in octanoic acid (78.9%), while carvacrol (17.9%), δ-3-carene (15.2%), and camphor (12.9%) were predominant in Plectranthus amboinicus EO. The investigated EOs were all active inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, amylase, and tyrosinase. Morinda citrifolia and P. amboinicus EOs inhibited butyrylcholinesterase exclusively, while M. citrifolia and C. aurantium fruit peel EOs displayed inhibition against glucosidase as well. Due to strong interactions with their active sites, molecular docking showed turmerone followed by carvacrol to have the highest binding affinities with target enzymes. Moderate to strong antioxidant potential was also demonstrated by all EOs. However, P. amboinicus EO presented the most potent antioxidant capacity and contained the highest amount of phenolics, while M. citrifolia EO was the weakest among all. Besides, a strong positive correlation was noted between EOs’ antioxidant capacities and total phenolic content. With the exception of C. aurantium leaf and C. longa EOs which showed similar bioactivities and were grouped together, the other EOs were subdivided into distinct groups by principal component analysis. Altogether, this study highlighted interesting pharmacological properties of the investigated EOs that could serve as sources of bioactive ingredients with potential industrial applications.

Authentication of Citrus fruits through a comprehensive fatty acid profiling and health lipid indices: a nutraceutical perspectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the fatty acid composition from the fruits of four Citrus species, as well as the determination of the nutritional quality of their lipid fraction. We identified fourteen fatty acids and a range of unique compounds, contributing to the discrimination of the studied species. Four fatty acids (palmitic, linoleic, stearic and lauric acids) were designated as “core fatty acids” and were common to the four species. Theses marker compounds could be used to determine the botanical origin and to authenticate the citrus fruit origin. Quantitatively, the species of choice would be C. limon, exhibiting the highest number of compounds (11 FAs), the highest total lipid amount (97.8%) and the highest content in term of PUFA (54.93%). On the other hand, considering the health-related lipid indices, lowest IA (0.23) and the lowest cox value (2.39), and their corresponding ratio, indicate the nutritional adequacy and the great quality for C. aurantium fruit pulp. In sum, the lowest values detected for these indexes indicated that generally citrus fruit pulps had beneficial effects on health and that citrus fruit oils are stable and they would be effective in protecting oils against oxidative deterioration.

Determination of nutritional composition in citrus fruits (C. aurantium) during maturity

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to determine and compare nutritional composition of different parts of citrus fruits, namely,Citrus aurantium(peel: albedo, flavedo and pulp: juice, pomace) . This study was conducted through three stages of fruit maturity (green, yellow and orange). Total polyphenols, flavonoids, β-carotene, total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, acidity, total soluble solid and the minerals (Ca, Mg, Zn, Na, K, Fe, Mn Cu) were evaluated. Moreover, the relationship between the total polyphenol, flavonoids and the antioxidant activity was determined.Design/methodology/approachTotal polyphenols were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Flavonoids were assessed by the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. K and Na contents were determined by using a flame photometer. Other nutritional composition was determined by volumetric method.FindingsThe result showed that the concentrations of antioxidants, total polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, total chlorophyll, total acidity and antioxidant activity (DPPH%) decreased during the maturity of fruit while the value of pH and β-carotene increases. In addition, the concentrations of the most minerals decreased through the maturation of fruit except Na. Anova statistical analysis of all the studied chemical variables was shown significant differences between all the samples. The pH, total soluble solids, β-caroteniod: orange juice had the highest average while green juice had the lowest. Ascorbic acid, total acidity, total chlorophyll: green juice had the highest average while orange juice has the lowest. Total phenol, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn: green flavedo had the highest average while orange juice had the lowest. Flavonoid, antioxidant activity (DPPH%), Ca, Zn: green albedo had the highest average while orange juice had the lowest. Na: orange flavedo had the highest average while green juice had the lowest. The correlations between total polyphenol, flavonoid and antioxidant capacity were significantly higher (R = 0.935 and 0.960, respectively).Originality/valueThe stage of maturity affects nutritional composition inCitrus aurantiumfruits (C. aurantium) peel and pulp, where some minerals of composition increased and others decreased, according to the results. This is the first study on comparing the nutritional composition of pulp: juice, pomace and peel: albedo, flavedo ofCitrus aurantiumL. during maturity in Syria, and it was also not found in previous works.

In vitro activity of some essential oils against Penicillium digitatum

Natural plant essential oils (EOs) can be used instead of synthetic fungicides because of human health concerns and environmental protection. In this study, the in vitro activity of some plants EOs against Penicillium digitatum, the cause of citrus green mold was evaluated during 8 days of incubation at 25°C. The EOs extracted from sweet orange ( Citrus sinensis) , lemon ( Citrus limon ), lime ( Citrus aurantifolia ), and sour orange ( Citrus aurantium ) fruit peel (500, 1000 and 2000 µl l-1 concentrations), cinnamon ( Cinnamomum cassia ) bark and summer savory ( Satureja hortensis ) aerial parts (400, 500 and 600 µl l-1 concentrations) were used on Penicillium digitatum mycelium. None of the EOs extracted from tested citrus in this study could inhibit mycelial growth completely even at concentration of 2000 µl l-1. The best results were obtained with cinnamon and summer savory EOs at concentration of 500 and 600 µl l-1. So, based on the results, cinnamon and summer savory EOs can be ideal candidates to replace the synthetic fungicides to control postharvest green mold of citrus fruit. GC-MS analysis showed that the most abundant of all constituents in EO extracts were carvacrol and γ-terpinene in summer savory and (E)-cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon.

The Action of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-Synephrine on Lipid Metabolism in the Perfused Rat Liver

p-synephrine and p-octopamine were found to increase lipolysis in adipocytes. The present study approaches the question if these compounds, natural products of the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium fruit), increase lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation in the liver. Experiments were done in the perfused rat liver. Non-recirculating hemoglobin-free perfusion was done using the Krebs/ Henseleit-bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) as perfusion fluid. Both p-synephrine and p-octopamine, at the concentrations of 100 μM, were found to stimulate the hepatic triacylglycerol lipase by 40% and 51%, respectively. These seem to be the maximal stimulations possible in the liver. In the perfused liver, p-synephrine, when present at an initial concentration of 500 μM, was able to increase the non-esterified fatty acid release after one hour of recirculating perfusion. The effects of p-synephrine on the oxidation of exogenously supplied [1-14C]octanoate and [1-14C]oleate were minimal. Only oxygen uptake, already stimulated by octanoate or oleate, was additionally increased by the infusion of p-synephrine. These results contrast with those obtained in a previous study with p-octopamine, which increased the production of 14CO2 from both [1-14C]octanoate and [1-14C]oleate. Apparently only the oxidation of endogenous fatty acids is stimulated by p-synephrine. On the other hand, both p-synephrine and p-octopamine stimulate the hepatic triacylglycerol lipase to a much lesser extent than the adipocyte lipase. It can be concluded that p-synephrine affects much more carbohydrate metabolism in the liver than lipid metabolism.

Effects of Citrus aurantium Fruit Extract on Spermatogenesis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Effects of Citrus aurantium Fruit Extract on Spermatogenesis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats