Underutilized Citrus sp. Pomelo (Citrus grandis) and Kachai lemon (Citrus jambhiri) exhale in phytochemicals and antioxidant potential

Phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of sixteen varieties of citrus comprising mandarins, limes, sweet orange and underutilized fruits were assessed. Limonoids, ascorbic acid and carotenoids significantly varies in the varieties. The antioxidant potential adjudged by evaluation with four accepted assays ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and TPC. Among them, Kachai lemon retains high antioxidant capacity with the assays DPPH (9.38mM L-1 Trolox) and also recorded highest TPC (13.57mM L-1 Trolox). Pomelo has shown a tremendous potential having the highest ABTS (4.49mM L-1 Trolox) and FRAP (1.92mM L-1 Trolox) activity, which reflects its potential at par with the grapefruit. Significant correlation has been found between DPPH and TPC, and also FRAP with TPC. It can be assumed that among citrus cultivar, Kachai lemon and Pomelo underutilized citrus fruit are showing enhanced potential to antioxidant capacity and can be exploited in terms of energy, nutrients and health supplements.