A Systematic Insight into the Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical, Chemo-fingerprinting and Pharmacological Assessment of <i>Citrus maxima</i>

A Systematic Insight into the Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical, Chemo-fingerprinting and Pharmacological Assessment of <i>Citrus maxima</i> P. Vijayalakshmi Malarkodi Velraj

Background: Fruits of the citrus family are known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Aim: The study aims to perform pharmacogenetic and physicochemical analysis of the peel along with the determination of the physical standards, phytochemical analysis, phytochemical identification, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of Pomelo peel oil. Methods: Pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters of the pomelo peel were analysed using the standard procedure recommended by WHO. The essential oil was extracted from the pomelo peel using Clevenger’s apparatus, and physical properties, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and chemical analysis with GC-MS were determined for the Citrus maxima oil, utilizing accepted procedures. Using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the antioxidant activity of the C. maxima oil was also assessed. Antibacterial assay of the Pomelo oil was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae using the Agar well diffusion technique and by determining the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration). Results: Pharmacognostical standards for the peel and physical standards for the oil were developed, and limonene was observed as the major constituent in the oil, and Total phenol content was 62.42 ± 4.03 mg of equivalent gallic acid/g of C. maxima oil. The total amount of flavonoids in the pomelo oil is 16.48 ± 0.92. Oil of C. maxima showed potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: The study has successfully established pharmacognostical standards and physical properties for Pomelo peel oil, identifying limonene as a major constituent. The oil demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, highlighting its potential for therapeutic applications. Major Findings: Pomelo peel essential oil was found to contain limonene as the major component and demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. agalactiae. In silico docking supported its potential antibacterial efficacy, highlighting its therapeutic value.
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