Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Screening of the Peels of Citrus maxima

Citrus maxima (J. Burm.) Merr of Rutaceae is widely distributed and indigenous in Indian subcontinent. Citrus maxima is a perennial shrub commonly known as Papanus. The peel of the fruit has leathery endocarp, containing numerous oil glands. It is found to possess the anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti oxidant, Larvicidal, hepatoprotective, anti cancer, anti platelets, and anti diabetic activity. This study deals with the pharmacognostical and Phytochemical screening of the Citrus maxima peels. Macroscopic and microscopic photographs of transverse sections (T.S.) of Citrus maxima peel shown distinct presentation of volatile oil, calcium oxalate, parenchymatous cell, vascular bundle collenchymatous cell and stone cells. Standardization of the peels were done with the help of extractive values [Water soluble extractives (10.25 % w/w), Alcohol soluble extractives (29.26 % w/w)], total ash value (3.19 % w/w), water soluble ash (0.66%w/w), acid insoluble ash value (0.83 % w/w) and loss on drying (5.23 % w/w), and Volatile oil content was found to be 6% V/W. Phytochemical analysis shown the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids, gums and mucilage. The study also included fluorescence analyisis and no fluorescence were observed. This study brings about various pharmacognostical, phytochemical and physiochemical parameters for the identification and standardization of the plant material.