Orange peel extract is extracted from the ripe peel of the rutaceae plant Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties. Citrus is widely grown around the world, and my country is one of the main producers of citrus. Orange peel is a byproduct of citrus processing and is rich in resources.
The extraction process usually includes drying and crushing the orange peel, and then using a suitable solvent (such as ethanol, water, etc.) to obtain the extract by immersion, percolation, ultrasonic extraction or supercritical fluid extraction.
Composition of orange peel extract
Orange peel extract contains a variety of components. Among them, mainly flavonoids, such as hesperidin, naringin, etc. Hesperidin has multiple physiological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; naringin may play a role in regulating blood lipids.
It also contains volatile oils, the main components of which are limonene, linalool, etc. These volatile oil components give orange peel a unique aroma and have certain effects in antibacterial and other aspects. In addition, orange peel extract is rich in pectin, which is a polysaccharide with good gelling and emulsifying properties.
Effects of orange peel extract
Antioxidant effect
Flavonoids are the key components of the antioxidant effect of orange peel extract. Flavonoids such as hesperidin can remove free radicals in the body, such as superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, etc. They can terminate the chain reaction of free radicals by providing hydrogen atoms, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage.
For example, in some in vitro experiments, the antioxidant capacity of orange peel extract is equivalent to that of antioxidants such as vitamin C, which can effectively delay the oxidation process of substances such as oils and fats, and may have positive significance for preventing aging, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
Lipid regulation effect
Ingredients such as naringin in orange peel extract can regulate blood lipids. It can reduce the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).
Its mechanism of action may be achieved by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, promoting the metabolic decomposition of cholesterol, and regulating the activity of lipid synthesis-related enzymes in the liver. This helps prevent cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Antibacterial effect
The volatile oil components in orange peel extract have antibacterial properties. Ingredients such as limonene can destroy the cell membrane structure of bacteria, affect the normal physiological function of bacteria, and thus inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria.
It has a significant antibacterial effect on common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and can be used in food preservation and medicine. For example, orange peel extract is added to food packaging materials to extend the shelf life of food, or as an auxiliary ingredient in some topical antibacterial drugs.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Flavone compounds and volatile oil components work together to exert anti-inflammatory effects. They can inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), etc.), and can also inhibit the activity of key enzymes in the inflammatory process (such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)).
For some inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and enteritis, orange peel extract may have a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect, which can reduce symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain caused by inflammation.
Improve digestive function
Orange peel extract can stimulate gastric juice secretion and enhance the activity of pepsin, thereby promoting food digestion. At the same time, pectin components can absorb harmful substances in the intestines, such as heavy metal ions, promote intestinal peristalsis, facilitate defecation, and prevent constipation.
In the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as indigestion and gastrointestinal dysfunction, orange peel extract can be used as an auxiliary therapeutic drug to improve the physiological function of the gastrointestinal tract.
Application of orange peel extract
Medical field
In traditional Chinese medicine preparations, orange peel extract is often used as one of the ingredients to treat symptoms such as spleen and stomach qi stagnation and chest and abdominal distension. For example, some Chinese patent medicines for treating indigestion and gastrointestinal bloating contain orange peel extract.
In modern medicine, it can be used to develop drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases by utilizing its function of regulating blood lipids; it can also be used to develop anti-inflammatory drugs to assist in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Food industry
Orange peel extract can be used as a natural food additive for food preservation. Adding it to foods such as juice and jam, on the one hand, it can extend the shelf life of the food by utilizing its antibacterial properties, and on the other hand, it can add a unique citrus aroma. In baked goods, it can also be used as a flavoring agent.
Cosmetics industry
Orange peel extract is used in cosmetics, mainly utilizing its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In skin care products, such as creams and lotions, it can prevent skin aging and reduce skin inflammation. In shampoos and conditioners, it can improve the scalp environment and promote scalp health.
Other applications
In the agricultural field, orange peel extract can be used to make biological pesticides, exert its antibacterial effects, and prevent and control crop diseases and pests. In the feed industry, adding it to animal feed can improve the digestive function of animals and promote animal growth.
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