Evaluation of The Phytonutrients and Vitamins Content of Citrus Fruits

Phhytochemical studies of five varieties of citrus species; sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), tangerine (Citrus reticulata), lemon (Citrus limonum), lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and grape (Citrus grandis) revealed the presence of bioactive compounds comprising alkaloids (0.33-0.04 mg 100 g 1), flavonoids (0.19-0.57 mg 100 g 1), phenols (0.01-0.42 mg 100 g 1) and tannins (0.01-0.04 mg 100 g 1). These citrus fruits are good sources of water-soluble vitamins: ascorbic acids (19.36-61.60 mg 100 g 1), riboflavin (0.01-0.11 mg 100 g 1), thiamin (0.06-0.12 mg 100 g 1) and niacin (0.03-0.43 mg 100 g 1). These phytonutrients and vitamins may be responsible for the antioxidants, anticancer, anti-inflammatory properties of the citrus species. The citrus spices have their popular use in herbal medicine and as fruits in Nigeria.