Phytochemical Constituents and Proximate Analysis of Orange Peel (citrus Fruit)

Orange peels obtained from unripe oranges were analyzed for its proximate and phytochemical constituent’s present using standard recommended procedure. The moisture content was found to be 10.00%+0.01, ash content 5.51%+0.02, fat 14.35%+0.01, protein 16.40%+0.39, crude fiber 12.47%+0.54 and carbohydrate 40.47+0.37%. The phytochemical constituents indicated alkaloid 0.60%+0.10, phenol 0.07%+0.06, tannin 7.40%+0.06, flavonoid 0.16%+0.01 and saponin 1.70%+0.06. The presence of secondary metabolites in the orange peels are good indication that if the peel is subjected to intensive research, bioactive compounds with strong biological activities may be isolated, characterized using various spectroscopic techniques and novel compounds may also be discovered.