Flavonoid profile and radical-scavenging activity of Mediterranean sweet lemon (Citrus limetta Risso) juice

Abstract The flavonoid composition of crude Citrus limetta Risso (limetta, Mediterranean sweet lemon) juice was elucidated by means of reverse-phase HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS/MS analysis. In a single course, eight compounds ( C - and O -glycosyl flavonoids) were identified, six of which were found for the first time in limetta juice: four C -glucosyl flavones, namely vicenin-2, lucenin-2 4′-methyl ether, orientin 4′-methyl ether and scoparin; the O -glycosyl flavone, rhoifolin; and the O -glycosyl flavanone, eriocitrin. In addition, ABTS + and DPPH radical quenching and FRAP assays demonstrate that limetta juice possesses remarkable antioxidant activity.