Phytochemical and biological activity studies on some Citrus L. species cultivated in Turkey

In the present study, the fresh fruit peels of some species of the genus Citrus L. cultivated in our country were prepared with 80% methanol by using two different methods such as maceration and acclerated solvent extraction. The extracts were compared due to the yields of extractions, total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents. The extracts were evaluated spectrophotometrically DPPH• scavenging effect and antityrosinase activity. The fingerprint analyzes of the extracts were done by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). To identify compound(s) which is/are responsible for the biological activities, HPTLC-biological activity (bioautography) methods were employed. The bioactive compounds were analyzed by Mass Spectrometry. In the extracts, naringin which is responsible for the antityrosinase activity; hesperidin and neoeriocitrin, which are responsible for the antioxidant activity were identified. Keywords: Citrus L., Antioxidant, Antityrosinase, HPTLC, Bioautography