Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Citrus peels contain high concentration of bioactive compounds, particularly phenols and flavonoids that have a positive impact on human health. In this study, phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant potency composite index (APC Index) of fresh citrus peels (kinnow, orange, mosambi, hill lemon, and malta) were assessed. DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays were done to determine the APC Index of the peels. The study findings showed that, among fresh citrus peels, orange flavedo was found to contain the highest total phenols (15.11 mg GAE/g dw) whereas, kinnow flavedo had highest flavonoid (5.86 mg QCE/g dw). Highest APC Index was found in kinnow followed by orange, malta, hill lemon and mosambi. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present study that kinnow fresh peel had highest antioxidant potential as compared to other citrus peels taken in this study. It was also noted that the fresh peels of various citrus species have enormous source of bioactive compounds and high antioxidant capacity which has tremendous potential to be utilized in functional foods and as nutraceuticals.