Chemical Composition and Bioactivities of Pomelo (Citrus maxima) Peel Essential Oil

Pomelo (Citrus maxima) peel is a rich source of essential oil (EO) with promising bioactivities; however, its chemical and biological characteristics, particularly from Vietnamese cultivars, remain underexplored. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition, physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity of pomelo peel EO (CmEO) extracted from fruits cultivated in Ben Tre province, Vietnam. CmEO was extracted and characterized via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Physicochemical properties were assessed through standard methods. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and antibacterial effects were tested via the disk diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis. GC–MS results showed D-Limonene as the major component (85.32%) alongside other terpenoids. CmEO displayed moderate antioxidant activity (IC50 = 104.35 mg/mL for DPPH and 79.95 mg/mL for ABTS), and notable antibacterial effects, particularly against Gram-positive strains (S. aureus: 16.74 mm; B. cereus: 10.63 mm). These findings highlight the potential of Ben Tre pomelo peel EO as a natural bioactive agent for applications in food preservation, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Further optimization of extraction methods and in vivo studies are recommended to enhance its practical use.