Extraction of essential oil from plant material (orange peels)
1 School of pharmacy, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
2 Central department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Bagmati Pradesh, Nepal.
3 School of pharmacy, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Chemistry and Pharmacy, 2026, 08(02), 048-052.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjcp.2026.8.2.0017
Publication history:
Received on 18 April 2026; revised on 24 May 2026; accepted on 26 May 2026
Abstract:
In this study, the peels of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) were used for the extraction and characterization of essential oils. Since these oils are volatile and aromatic, they can be widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food preservatives, and aromatherapy. The oils were obtained through steam distillation with the help of highly modified Clevenger Apparatus and analyzed by phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography (TLC). The Liebermann–Burchard test confirmed the presence of terpenes through the appearance of a wine-red color. TLC analysis gave an Rf value of 0.87, consistent with the reported value of limonene which is the major constituent of citrus essential oil. This work demonstrates that discarded orange peel waste can serve as a sustainable source of valuable natural products with potential applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.
Keywords:
Extraction of essential oil; Citrus sinensis; Steam distillation; Phytochemical screening; TLC analysis; Rf value
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