Nutritional and medicinal values of Mangifera indica L. fruit

Abstract

Mangifera indica L. (Mango, Anacardiaceae) is a popular tropical evergreen tree known for its nutritional and medicinal values. It is native to India and Southeast Asia and is known as the “king of fruits” in India and the Philippines. It is considered important in Ayurveda and other systems of medicine. Mango fruit is unique in its taste, colour, aroma, and nutritional qualities. Mangoes are a rich source of polyphenols (Mangiferin, Gallotannins, Quercetin, Isoquercetin, Ellagic acid, Glucogallin, Kaempferol, Catechins, Tannins, and the unique Xanthonoid), phenolic acids (Hydroxybenzoic acids- Gallic, Vanillic, Syringic, Protocatechuic, and p-Hydroxybenzoic acids, Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives-p-Coumaric, Chlorogenic, Ferulic, and Caffeic acids), flavonoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and Lutein), Vitamin A, Vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), Vitamin-C, Vitamin-E, Carbohydrates, Amino acids, Organic acids, micronutrients (Potassium, Copper), fats (Omega-3 and 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), dietary fibre and certain volatile compounds. About 25 different types of carotenoids have been isolated from the fruit pulp, which contributes to the colour of the fruit. Phytochemical and nutrient content may vary depending on the cultivar. Mangoes possess potential medicinal properties such as antioxidant, gastro-protective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, and many more. Mango fruit is an abundant source of all essential nutrients and phytochemicals; it could be ultilized as a nutritional supplement in the prevention and cure of several diseases. A comprehensive report on the nutritional and medicinal properties of fruit is presented below.