Phytochemical Screening and in vivo Antioxidant Assessment of Citrus sinensis Peel Hexane Extract in Albino Rats

Background and Objective: Oxidative stress plays a key role in many chronic diseases, and safer natural antioxidants are in demand. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antioxidant potential of Citrus sinensis (L.) peel N-Hexane extract in albino rats. Materials and Methods: The extract was screened for phytochemical compounds and its acute toxicity and antioxidant properties. Eighteen adult albino rats of both sexes were used for in vivo analysis, divided into six groups with three rats each. Groups 1, 2, and 3 received distilled water, carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), and silymarin, serving as normal, negative, and positive controls, respectively. Groups 4, 5, and 6 received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract, respectively, and served as the extract-treated groups. Oxidative stress was induced intraperitoneally using CCl₄ in all groups except the normal control group. Blood samples were collected seven days after oxidative induction and analyzed for MDA, GSH, SOD, and CAT. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA with Duncan’s multiple comparison test in SPSS (v25), considering p<0.05 as significant. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, and saponins, while flavonoids, tannins, and volatile oils were absent. Acute toxicity tests showed that the extract was well-tolerated at 5000 mg/kg b.wt. The results of the in vivo study showed that the extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased MDA and GSH levels and increased SOD and CAT activities compared to the negative control group. Conclusion: This study suggests that the C. sinensis peel hexane extract has antioxidant potential in albino rats and could contribute to existing literature on its pharmacological properties.