Determination of Saponin Content of Various Parts of Six Citrus species
Chinelo A. Ezeabara *
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
C. U. Okeke
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Bibian O. Aziagba
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Chinyere V. Ilodibia
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Adaeze N. Emeka
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Different parts of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle (Lime), C. grandis Osbeck (Shaddock/Pummelo), C. limon (L.) Burm. f. (Lemon), C. paradisii Macf. (Grapefruit), C. reticulata Blanco (Mandarin/Tangerine) and C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Sweet orange) commonly cultivated in Southeastern Nigeria were investigated for presence of saponin. All the parts of these Citrus species were found to contain saponin in varying levels. The highest level of saponin was contained in the leaves of C. sinensis and peels of C. aurantifolia respectively. High level of saponin was also contained in the leaves of C. paradisii, C. grandis, C. reticulata and C. aurantifolia respectively. These indicated that these parts of these Citrus species contained high level of saponin and could be regarded as possible sources of it; which could be used for a variety of commercial purposes. In addition, they can be used in ethnomedicine as drugs.
Keywords: Saponin, Citrus aurantifolia, C. grandis, C. limon, C. paradisii, C. reticulata, C. sinensis