Elachi Lemon (Citrus limon) Peel and Pulp: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticoagulant Activities, Bioactive Compounds, Minerals, and Heavy Metals

Abstract

Background: According to a number of previous studies, citrus fruits are rich in phytochemicals, minerals and bioactive compounds. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticoagulant activities, phytonutrients, bioactive compounds, mineral and heavy metals in peel and pulp of Elachi lemon (Citrus limon). Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed to estimate the total polyphenol, flavonoid, tannin, reducing sugar, total protein and vitamin C contents. High performance liquid chromatography was performed to determine the concentrations of phenolics and ascorbic acid. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by measuring 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, reducing power assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Besides estimating heavy metals and minerals, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were observed for detecting anticoagulant activity. Results: In case of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, pulp was found to be richer. Both the peel and pulp showed similar anticoagulant activities. Among the phytonutrients, protein content was richer in peel that in pulp. Catechin, rutin, tannic, gallic and vanilic acids were detected in peel whereas in pulp quercetin, tannic and gallic acids were found. Pb, Cr, Cd were present in a negligible amount whereas, Co, Cu and Fe content were high in both the peel and pulp. Conclusion: This study exhibits that both the peel and the pulp Citrus limon is a rich source of antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, minerals and various bioactive compounds with nutritional values.

Subchronic Toxicity Study of Alternanthera philoxeroides in Swiss Albino Mice Having Antioxidant and Anticoagulant Activities

“…Phenolic compounds can also chelate metals and disrupt chain reactions besides reducing free radicals, and a correlation between total phenol and antioxidant activity was confirmed in the previous research [ 40 , 41 ]. Polyphenols can work as a growth inhibitor of various pathogens including different kinds of bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses as well [ 42 , 43 ]. In another case, dietary polyphenols are found to be effective in inflammatory bowel disease [ 44 ].…”