Journal of Applied Life Sciences International

Citrus paradis like most other plants has been shown to contain a number of secondary metabolites with enormous potentials. However, tonnes of the peels are discarded each year. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the peels powder for phytochemicals, nutrients, anti-nutrients, antimicrobial and anti-termite activity. Phytochemical analysis from ethanolic and aqueous extracts, nutrients, anti-nutrients, elemental, vitamins, anti-termite and antimicrobial activity were analysed using standard techniques. Results of the phytochemical screening and quantification showed the presence of reducing compounds (18.40%), polyphenols (5.76%), alkaloids (2.42%), glycosides (2.54%), saponins (1.50%), tannins (0.34%) and flavonoids (8.70%). The anti-nutrients (mg/100 g) present were total oxalate (42.75) hydrocyanic acid (3.93), soluble oxalate (24.20) and phytate (0.40). Elemental analysis (mg/100 g) showed the presence of Na(6.45), K(264.20), Ca(78.40), Mg(118.30), Fe(10.90), Zn(3.30), Cu(2.60) and P(172.51). Furthermore, Vitamin A, B, C and E were also found in the peels with vitamin C(3.24 mg%) and E (3.43 mg%) being the most abundant. Proximate composition showed the presence of moisture (11.86%), ash (3.97%), protein (10.71%), fat (6.64), fibre (7.55%) and carbohydrate (71.86%). The peels powder also showed anti-termite activity with complete mortality after 4 hours of exposure. However, an equal combination of the peels and the permethrin based insecticide was the fastest in killing the termites. The isolates obtained were Esherichia coli, Proteus, Pseudomonas and Staphylococci species. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing showed zones of inhibition of 10 mm to 20 mm on all the isolates. Given antimicrobial and anti-termite potentials, there is a need for more studies that will elucidate the exact nature of these bioactive components.