Determination of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Citrus Peels

Bioactive compounds present in fruits and vegetables are receiving increased because they may help the protect humans against some diseases. These chemicals can reduce the free radicals damage caused to the cells, as a result of oxidative stress and they have been linked to reductions in the risk of major chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity and other disease. In the present study, the bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of citrus peels were examined. Fruit peels were obtained from lemon (Citrus limon), orange (Citrus sinensis, mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). Total carotenoid, beta carotene, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using colorimetric methods. The total antioxidant activities were analysed according to TEAC, FRAP and DPPH methods. It was found that mandarin and lemon peels were rich in carotenoid compounds and ascorbic acid, respectively while grapefruit and lemon peels were rich in phenolic compounds and had higher antioxidant activities than mandarin and orange peels.