Citrus reticulata also known as Tangerine, possess high nutraceutical value due to high content of antioxidants and vitamin C. This researched is aimed to evaluated the physicochemical properties, phytochemical, and chemical composition of the pericarp and pips methanolic oil extracts of Citrus reticulata. The pips and pericarps were isolated from mature tangerine, air dried at room temperature and extracted using methanol solvent by soxhlet extractor. The crude oil extract was subjected to physicochemical analysis, phytochemical screening, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for determination of the active phytoconstituents, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine the functional group present. All analysis were of standard procedure. The pericarp showed higher yield methanolic oil extract of (20.5%) compared to pip (2.6%). Physicochemical properties of the oil extracted were saponification value, 247.60 mg KOH/g of oil; ester value, 232.66 mg/KOH/g; Iodine value 15.47g I₂/100 g oil; and peroxide value 61.65 mEq O2 / kg of oil from the pericarp compared to the pips oil 79.87 mg KOH/g, 60.64 mg KOH/g, 13.59 g I₂/100 g; and 20.75 mEq O2 / kg respectively. Qualitative analysis reavealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, cardiac glycosides , terpenoids, Anthraquinones, steriods, in both oils but saponin was present in the pericarp only. The results of the GC-MS analysis showed Hexadecanoic acid, 1,2-Cyclohexanediol, Limonene, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid present in both methanolic crude oil extracts. FTIR analyses showed functional groups such as alcohol, ether, alkyl halids in both the methanolic oil extracts. The oil of Citrus reticulata pericarp and pips contains significant amount of active compounds, which could be useful for industrial purpose, for preservative and functional food, thereby offering a sustainable strategy for citrus waste utilization.
Keywords: Citrus reticulata, phytoconstituent, GC-MS, Physicochemical properties, pericarp.
Citation: Bukoye, O. E. et al., (2026). Citrus Reticulata Pericarp and Pip: Physiocochemical Properties, Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic Crude Oil Extracts A Comparison. J N food sci tech, 7(3):1-11. DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/2834-7854.1068