Anti-histamine release and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extracts of citrus fruits peels

In this study, aqueous extracts of peels of best known citrus fruits namely grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lemon (C. limon), lime (C. aurantifolia) and orange (C. sinensis) were used. Depending on polyphenols content, the extracts were graded as orange > lemon > lime > grapefruit. Effects of the extracts on the release of histamine from rat peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) was measured to know anti-allergic activity. All extracts inhibited the release of histamine from rat PECs induced by the calcium ionophore A23187. Heating of the extracts at 100 °C for 10 min enhanced inhibition of histamine release. Effect of the oral administration of aqueous extract of grapefruit peel on the effusion of Chicago sky blue dye into the intraperitoneal cavity of mice was measured to know the anti-inflammatory activity. The extract potentially suppressed inflammation in the mice cavity as like indometacin, an anti-inflammatory drug. Therefore, the extracts of citrus peels are useful for developing anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory foods and supplements.In this study, aqueous extracts of peels of best known citrus fruits namely grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lemon (C. limon), lime (C. aurantifolia) and orange (C. sinensis) were used. Depending on polyphenols content, the extracts were graded as orange > lemon > lime > grapefruit. Effects of the extracts on the release of histamine from rat peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) was measured to know anti-allergic activity. All extracts inhibited the release of histamine from rat PECs induced by the calcium ionophore A23187. Heating of the extracts at 100 °C for 10 min enhanced inhibition of histamine release. Effect of the oral administration of aqueous extract of grapefruit peel on the effusion of Chicago sky blue dye into the intraperitoneal cavity of mice was measured to know the anti-inflammatory activity. The extract potentially suppressed inflammation in the mice cavity as like indometacin, an anti-inflammatory drug. Therefore, the extracts of citrus peels are useful for developing anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory foods and supplements.