Comparative antioxidant activity of essential oil of leaves of Citrus limettioides and Citrus pseudolimon of Nainital District

Abstract

Air dried leaves essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation. Quantitative Phytochemical analysis of volatile compounds viz. Limonin, Citronellol, linalool and terpineol was done by Gas chromatography, Limonin, linalool, terpineol (36.9%, 2.12%, 4.19%) was found higher extent in Citrus limettioides as compared to Citrus pseudo limon (10.6%,1.7%, 2.59%). Citronellol content was found higher extent in Citrus pseudo limon (62.30%) than Citrus limettioides (5.11%). Antioxidant activity of leaves essential oil was done by using 1, 1, Diphenyl 2Picryl Hydrazine (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. IC50 of both plants leaves essential oil was calculated. Comparative study shows that Citrus limettioides shows higher antioxidant potential (IC50= 15.35 ul) as compared to Citrus pseudo limon (IC50= 18.43 ul) against DPPH free radicals.