Phytochemical investigation and In-Vitro evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant activities of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) peel essential oils

Abstract

Peels are usually considered as waste and thrown away. Many fruits and vegetable peels have therapeutic potential. Medicinal plants are now a days used largely in the treatment and prevention of different diseases as these drugs are cheaper and have very less side effects than the synthetic drugs. The objective of this study was to investigate the grapefruit peel’s essential oil for its qualitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity against different strains, in-vivo wound healing activity, acute skin irritation studies and GC/MS analysis of the essential oil for chemical composition. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins qualitatively. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through total phenolic contents, along with total flavonoid contents, DPPH scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Essential oil shows highest total phenolic contents and lowest reducing power activity. Antibacterial activity was evaluated through disc diffusion method and its shows minimal activity against tested strains. In-vivo wound healing activity was recorded in rabbits after giving surgical incision on dorsal side of the animals. Grapefruit essential oil shows good wound healing activities but it shows less activity than synthetic drug pyodine. Acute skin irritation was observed 24h prior to the application of essential oil which shows non- significant results. GC/MS analysis was conducted on the grapefruit peel essential oil to find active constituents.