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.