Volatile Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Peel, Flowers and Leaf Oils of Citrus aurantium L. Growing in Greece

Abstract

Abstract:The volatile constituents of the essential oils of the peel, flower (neroli) and leaves (petitgrain) of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.) growing in Greece were studied by GC-MS. The analytical procedures enabled the quantitative determination of 31 components. More specifically, the components of the essential oils identified were: twelve in the peel, twenty-six in the flowers, and twenty and sixteen in old and young leaves, respectively. The major constituents of the different parts of Citrus aurantium L. essential oils were: β-pinene (0.62%-19.08%), limonene (0.53%-94.67%), trans-β-ocimene (3.11%-6.06%), linalool (0.76%-58.21%), and α-terpineol (0.13%-12.89%). The DPPH test demonstrated that the essential oils in the old leaves had the maximum antioxidant activity, followed by the flowers, young leaves and the peel in that order. This study updates the data in the literature on the essential oils of bitter orange, and provides information on the composition of the oils for a further evaluation of this product.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oil Obtained from Bitter Orange Peel (Citrus aurantium L.) Using Two Methods

“…[13,14] These results are comparable to results obtained from the other studies on DPPH scavenging ability of bitter orange peel oil. [15] …”

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Leaf, Ripe and Unripe Peel of Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) Essential Oils

“…Previous studies have shown that the amount of limonene in bitter orange peel essential oils is in majority (2,(13)(14)18). Moreover, Sarrow et al (2013) reported that limonene (94.67%), myrcene (2%) and linalool (0.67%) were the main components of bitter orange ripe peel essential oil, grown in Greece.…”

“…Moreover, Sarrow et al (2013) reported that limonene (94.67%), myrcene (2%) and linalool (0.67%) were the main components of bitter orange ripe peel essential oil, grown in Greece.…”

Essential Oils Chemistry

“…The oils obtained from its fruits (peels), flowers, and leaves have different chemical compositions. The first are rich in limonene whereas the flower and leaf oils are characterized by different quantities of linalool and linalyl acetate (Sarrou et al 2013). Also, a close relationship between ontogenesis and oil composition can be seen in several species.…”