NATURAL ANTIMICROBIALS FROM CITRUS: A PRELIMINARY SCREENING OF CITRUS SINENSIS SEED AND COAT EXTRACTS

Abstract

The search for natural bioactive compounds with antimicrobial potential has intensified due to the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance. Citrus fruits, widely consumed worldwide, are rich in phytochemicals, yet their byproducts such as seeds and coats remain underexplored. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of seed and coat extracts of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds in varying concentrations, indicating rich bioactive potential. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against selected bacterial and fungal strains using standard disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. Results demonstrated that both seed and coat extracts exhibited inhibitory effects, with stronger activity noted against Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative strains, and moderate antifungal properties. These findings suggest that Citrus sinensis byproducts are promising sources of natural antimicrobial agents, warranting further investigation into isolation, characterization, and possible pharmaceutical applications of active constituents.