CITRUS WASTE REUSE FOR HEALTH BENEFITS AND PHARMA-/NEUTRACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS

Citrus are the largest fruit crops grown across the globe. It is one of the most profitable crops in terms of economy as well as popular for nutritional benefits. The most interesting aspect about citrus is the availability of several varieties with attractive colours. Approximately 50 % of citrus remains unconsumed after processing as pith residue, peels and seeds. Direct disposal of these wastes cause serious environmental problems in terms of killing natural flora in the soil because of antibacterial properties of limonene oils. Seepage to underground waters or open water bodies affects water quality and aquatic life, respectively. Citrus waste reuse to obtain value added-phytochemicals and pectin is one of the popular topics in industrial research, food and synthetic chemistry. The present article reviews recent advances in exploring the effects of phytochemical compounds obtained from citrus wastes in view of various health aspects.