Overview
Orange peel is harvested from the ripened fruit of the Orange tree; here is most
of the Vitamin C is located; the peel is aromatic and slightly tonic. This is also a source of pectin and
an aid in the prevention of indigestion, lowers cholesterol, and helps in the digestion of fatty foods.
It is used in the treatment of anorexia.
Homeopathically, it is recommended for colds (in the early stage), constipation, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion,
and stress. It shows promise as an anti-cancer agent.
Can also be used as a flavoring agent and in cosmetics.
Because of its 90 - 95% limonene content, it has a lethal effect on houseflies, fleas and fire-ants.
Constituents
Carotenoids, Phenolic compounds, essential oils (limonene, citral) Neohesperidin and
naringin, eriocitrin, hesperidin, flavonoids, flavanone glycosides, flavones, flavonols.
Pharmacology
Antioxidant activity found in the fractions of Citrus sinensis, should be attributed to
the presence of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. Among the various classes of flavonoids: flavanone glycosides,
flavones and flavonols seem to prevail.
This shows that the ethyl acetate fraction of navel sweet orange peel can be used as an antioxidant in food and
medicinal preparations.
Since Citrus peel is rich in flavanone glycosides and polymethoxyflavones. They are important for their pharmacological
properties.
An in vitro study revealed that the compounds, polymethoxyflavones nobiletin, heptamethoxyflavone and tangeretin,
acted as antifungal agents against Penicillium digitatum.
Limonene and flavonoids seem to have anti-carcinogenic properties. They can block the carcinogenesis by acting as
a blocking agent. Studies have shown that limonin and limonene can induce the enzyme activity of glutathione S-transferase,
which is an important detoxifying enzyme. Feeding of orange oils, rich in limonene, seemed to inhibit tumors of the
stomach, lung and mammary tumors.
Due to the present d-limonene it is effective against heartburn or Gastro Intestinal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Peel extract has potential in the regulation of thyroid function and glucose metabolism. Besides antiperoxidative
activity, C. sinensis extract has antithyroidal, hypoglycemic, and insulin stimulatory properties, which suggest its
potential to ameliorate both hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus.
Applications
Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Bactericidal, Carminative, Choleretic,
Digestive, Fungicidal, Hypotensive, Sedative (nervous system), Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic.
Dosage
Tincture: 1 - 3 ml. daily. Check with your homeopath.
Reference
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement.
F. CHITTENDON, 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them.
Growing Unusual Fruit
by Simmons. A. E. (David and Charles 1972 ISBN#0-7153-5531-7)
Dictionary of Economic Plants. by Uphof. J. C. Th. (Weinheim 1959 ISBN#-)
A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. by Usher. G. (Constable 1974 ISBN#0094579202)
Radical scavenging activity of various extracts and fractions of sweet orange peel (Citrus sinensis).
Anagnostopoulou,-M.A.; Kefalas,-P.; Papageorgiou,-V.P.; Assimopoulou,-A.N.; Boskou,-D
Food chemistry. 2006 Jan., v. 94, issue 1 p. 19-25.
Citrus paradisi and Citrus sinensis flavonoids:
Their influence in the defence mechanism against Penicillium digitatum A. Ortuño, A. Báidez
a, P. Gómeza, M.C. Arcasa,
I. Porrasb, A. García-Lidónb and J.A. Del Ríoa
a Departamento de Biología Vegetal (Fisiología Vegetal), Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
b Departamento de Citricultura, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDA), La Alberca, E-30150 Murcia, Spain.
Medicinal values of fruit peels from Citrus sinensis, Punica granatum, and Musa paradisiaca with respect to
alterations in tissue lipid peroxidation and serum concentration of glucose, insulin, and thyroid hormones.
PARMAR HS, KAR A.
School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, MP, India
The above presentation is for informational and educational purposes only.
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage.
For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over - the - counter medication is also available.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and / or pharmacist for any health problem and before using dietary supplements
or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
|