Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of Citrus medica fruit juice and peels

Abstract

For the correct use of plant extracts, the relative phytochemical composition of 
different plants should be examined to ensure effective plant use. This study 
aims to compare the phytochemical composition of Citrus medica juice and 
peels. The phytochemical compositions of the juice extracts and peel extracts 
was evaluated. The acute toxicity study of juice was carried out by the modified 
Lorke's method. No deaths were recorded 24 hours after administration of 
different doses of grape juice extract (10, 100, 200 and 400 ml/kg body weight). 
In the second stage, 4 doses of injection were administered: 500, 1000, 1500 
and 2000 ml/kg body weight, and no death recorded after 24 hours. Acute 
toxicity studies indicate that the oral LD50 of the juice is ≤ 2000 mg/kg. 
Phytochemical analysis of the juice revealed the presence of secondary 
metabolites such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, 
carbohydrates and alkaloids. The peels contain same phytochemicals as the 
juice except for alkaloids which was not detected. Additionally, citrus juice 
extracts have higher phenolic, total flavonoids and total tannins content 
compared to the peels.  The results indicated that the juice has higher 
phytochemical constituents than the peels, and are toxicologically safe for 
consumption.