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Abstract

This study investigates the antibacterial efficacy of methanolic extracts obtained from Iraqi orange peels and provides a comprehensive phytochemical screening of the extracts. Orange peel samples were carefully collected, washed, dried, and ground before undergoing cold maceration in methanol. The extracts were subsequently concentrated using a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure, yielding a dark green residue that was subjected to bioactivity assays. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of several classes of bioactive compounds within the orange peel extract, including terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and phenols. These phytochemicals are recognized for their broad pharmacological activities and are believed to contribute synergistically to the extract’s antibacterial properties. Standard protocols were used for testing, and specific color reactions indicated these compounds in the crude extracts. To evaluate antibacterial activity, the agar well diffusion technique was applied. Mueller-Hinton agar plates were seeded with bacterial stock cultures, with extract doses applied in wells created on the agar surface. After 24 hours of incubation at 37°C, zones of bacterial growth inhibition were measured to quantify the extracts' effects. Results highlighted that the methanolic extracts exhibited notable antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, supporting the traditional application of orange peel in treating bacterial infections. Both Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) were found to be susceptible to the orange peel methanolic extract, contradicting some earlier reports of resistance and affirming the potential therapeutic value of these phytochemicals. The research suggests that orange peel extracts have promising applications in managing bacterial diseases‎.

Keywords: Orange peel, Methanolic extract, Antibacterial activity, Phytochemical screening, Citrus sinensis, Gram-positive bacteria

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