Hidden Potential of Aegle marmelos Fruit Peel

Abstract

Aegle marmelos or ‘Bael’ is a medicinal tree native to South Asia. The Bael fruit with the exception of the fruit peel, is extensively used in Ayurveda for its nutritive and healing properties. The present study aims to find the potential utilization and applications of the fruit peel by exploring its therapeutic value. Aegle marmelos fruit peel was subjected to extraction in methanol, ethanol, acetone and distilled water. Antimicrobial activity of the fruit peel extracts was tested against gram positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) and gram negative (E. coli, K. pneumoniae) bacteria. MIC values were determined with strong evidence of broad-spectrum activity. DPPH assay revealed moderate, dose dependent antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phlobatannins, protein, cardiac glycosides and saponins. Nutritional and ash analysis of the fruit peel revealed presence of organic and inorganic compounds with dietary significance. GC-MS analysis of the fruit peel showed presence of various active phytoconstituents; notably ‘marmelosin’; a naturally present laxative agent in Aegle marmelos. Further research on the cytotoxic activity of the fruit peel maybe employed in the future, with superior extraction and purification strategies