The main chemical components of orange peel can be divided into two categories:
1. Volatile oils (accounting for 1.5%-2%)
Limonene: The volatile component with the highest proportion, with citrus aroma Citral: An important component that gives orange peel a fresh aroma Decanal and Octanol: Participate in the formation of the unique flavor layer of orange peel 2. Flavonoids
Hesperidin: The iconic active ingredient of orange peel, with antioxidant effects Naringin: A flavonoid glycoside compound that belongs to the same class as hesperidin Poncirin: A minor flavonoid component Other ingredients: Contains a small amount of vitamins (such as vitamin C, B1) and carotene Pectin substances It should be noted that the hesperidin in orange peel will be partially converted into methyl hesperidin during the preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, and the latter has stronger biological activity on the cardiovascular system. The proportion of volatile components in orange peels of different varieties varies. For example, Wenzhou mandarin orange peels also contain special ingredients such as δ-elemene.
