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This study evaluated the
qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening and
antimicrobial activities of Citrus sinensis and
Citrus aurantifolia peel extracts using standard
microbiological procedures. Fruits of the two citrus plants
were purchased and the peels removed, dried, ground and
extracted using soxhlet extraction technique. The test
organisms used in the determination of the antimicrobial
activities of the peel extracts were Staphylococcus,
Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia and Candida
species. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the peel
extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids,
tannins, saponins, phenols, anthranoids and cardiac
glycosides. Quantitative phytochemical screening of the
Citrus sinensis peel extract revealed total phenol (4.24 mg
GAE/g), flavonoid content (58.12 mg GAE/g), total tannin
(7.24 mg GAE/g); total saponins (7.67mg GAE/g), alkaloids
(10.30mg GAE/g); while that of Citrus aurantifolia
revealed total phenol (20.10 mg GAE/g), flavonoid content
(28.70 mg GAE/g), total tannin (4.24 mg GAE/g) total
saponins (4.32mg GAE/g), alkaloids (7.40mg GAE/g).
Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern showed zones of
inhibition recorded ranged from 18mm to 26mm with Citrus
aurantifolia peel extract and 22mm to 26mm with Citrus
sinensis peel extract. Minimum inhibitory concentrations
recorded ranged from 125mg/ml to 250mg/ml with Citrus
aurantifolia peel extract and 250mg/ml to 500mg/ml with
Citrus sinensis peel extract. Bactericidal activity was
recorded at 250 mg/ml to 500mg/ml with Citrus sinensis
peel extract. This study has revealed the medicinal
properties of these plants through their antimicrobial
activities on the selected pathogenic microorganisms. The
medicinal and pharmacological properties of these medicinal
plants should, therefore, be exploited maximally.
Keywords: Qualitative, Quantitative, Phytochemical,
Antimicrobial, Extracts |
