Study of the antioxidant activity of some active compounds in orange peels.

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the active substances in orange peel powder (PO) and to extract beta-carotene (OR) from dried orange peel powder. Additionally, the study aims to examine the efficacy of these compounds as natural antioxidants. The levels of Vitamin C, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and pectin were found to be significantly greater in OR compared to PO at (P≤0.01) level. Both PO and OR demonstrated a strong correlation between increasing concentrations with the removal of free radicals. The method of scavenging free radicals displayed a higher efficacy compared to the method of lowering ferric chloride (FeCl2). Additionally, it was observed that the elimination of free radicals increased with higher concentrations. The efficacy of both PO and OR as antioxidants was also assessed through implementing the method of introducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by estimating the fragmentation factor of DNA)QB.(  There were statistically significant differences at (P≤0.01) level, demonstrated by the reduction in QB with rising levels of PO and OR. The concentration of QB is 0 at 250 µg/ml for both PO and RO. This could be due to their efficacy as antioxidants, enabling them to eradicate free radicals that degrade DNA. The findings supported the hypothesis that orange peel powder (PO) and beta-carotene pigment (OR) function as potent natural antioxidants, effectively mitigating or eliminating oxidative processes induced by free radicals. These compounds are considered safe for human consumption and do not pose any health risks.