Characterization of flavonoids and pectins from bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) peel, a major byproduct of essential oil extraction

J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Jan 11;54(1):197-203. doi: 10.1021/jf051847n.

Abstract

Bergamot peel is an underutilized byproduct of the essential oil and juice-processing industry. As with other Citrus peels, it still contains exploitable components, such as pectins and flavonoids. Commercial glycoside hydrolases, specifically a combination of pectolytic and cellulolytic enzymes, solubilized a high percentage of the material (81.94%). The flavonoid profile of the peel consisted of characteristic Citrus species flavanone rutinosides and neohesperosides derived from naringenin, eriodictyol, and hesperetin. In addition, a number of minor flavanone and flavone glycosides, not found in orange and lemon peels, were identified. The majority of flavonoids were extracted in the two 70% v/v EtOH extractions. Processing this material clearly has economic potential leading to low environmental impact.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbohydrates / analysis
  • Citrus / chemistry*
  • Flavonoids / analysis*
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Furocoumarins / analysis
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry*
  • Pectins / analysis*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*

Substances

  • Carbohydrates
  • Flavonoids
  • Furocoumarins
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Extracts
  • Pectins