Acute Toxicity and Antioxidant Activity of Algerian Citrus deliciosa

Abstract

Our phytochemical study focused on the leaves of Citrus deliciosa of Algerian origin, in order to evaluate its antioxidant activity and its acute toxicity, using scavenger activity of DPPH radicals, ABTS and acute toxicity. The ethanol extract of Citrus deliciosa contains 85.62 ± 2.24 μg /mg dried matter and 3.02 ± 0.17 μg/mg dried matter. The antioxidant activity was confirmed against the DPPH radical (IC50 = 252.07 ± 0.02 μg /mL) and ABTS (IC50 = 398.26 ± 0.01 μg /mL). No mortality or abnormal behavior was observed in mice at oral doses less of 1600 mg/kg. According to the results obtained, Citrus deliciosa leaves exhibit significant antioxidant activity and are safe at levels lower than 1600 mg/kg B.W., which supports their application in phytotherapy, pharmaceutical biotechnology, and the food sector for therapeutic or preventive purposes.