Sequential Extraction of Naringin and Low-Ester Pectin from Naturally Dropped Fruit of Pomelo

Bo Yu ¹, Liwen Huang ², Yuhan Ding ³

⁰Sino-German Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences +

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September 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study developed a sequential extraction method for pomelo waste, yielding high-purity naringin and antioxidant-rich pectin. This process efficiently valorizes agricultural byproducts.

Area Of Science

Food Chemistry
Natural Product Extraction
Biotechnology

Background

Pomelo (Citrus maxima) drop fruit is an underutilized agricultural byproduct.
Naringin and pectin are valuable compounds with diverse applications.
Efficient extraction methods are needed to valorize pomelo waste.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop and optimize a sequential extraction process for naringin and pectin from naturally dropped pomelo fruit (NDFP).
To characterize the extracted pectin and evaluate its antioxidant properties.
To establish an efficient method for valorizing NDFP.

Main Methods

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize extraction parameters.
Sequential extraction: naringin with 70% ethanol, followed by pectin from residue using pH 1.50 acetic acid.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for naringin purity analysis.
Pectin characterization included esterification degree and antioxidant activity assays.

Main Results

Optimized conditions yielded 42.77% naringin with 97.6% HPLC purity.
Pectin yield was 14.32% from the residue.
Recovered pectin was identified as low-ester and demonstrated superior antioxidant activity compared to commercial pectin.
The sequential process efficiently valorized NDFP.

Conclusions

An efficient sequential extraction process for naringin and low-ester pectin from NDFP was successfully established.
The method significantly valorizes pomelo waste, producing high-value compounds.
The antioxidant-rich pectin offers potential for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Keywords:

dropped fruit naringin pectin pomelo sequential extraction