GC-MS analysis, Antioxidant Activity and Antimicrobial Activity of Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) and Key Lime (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle.) Peel Essential Oils

Abstract

This research studied the chemical compositions, antioxidant activities, and antimicrobial activities of kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) and key lime (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle.) peel essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation. GC-MS analysis of kaffir lime essential oil showed four major components as β-pinene (27.37%), β-phellandrene (22.69%), D-limonene (16.21%), and citronellal (12.43%), while in key lime essential oil the predominant component was D-limonene (45.91%), with two minor components as β-pinene (20.27%) and γ-terpinene (8.33%). Both essential oils scavenged free radicals, with amounts of sample required to decrease DPPH concentration by 50% (IC50) 93.20 and 57.90 mg/ml for kaffir lime and key lime essential oils, respectively. Both essential oils showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in the agar diffusion technique.