African Star Apple Research Articles

Characterization and fatty acid profile analysis of oil extracted from unexploited seed of African star apple (Udara)

This study sought to characterize the phyto-oil extracted from an unexploited seed of African star apple (Udara) using soxhlet extraction method, normal hexane was used as the solvent at 67 °C for 4 h. The percentage oil yield was 23.8%. The extracted oil was liquid at room temperature, pleasant sweet smell with honey-like colour. The oil physicochemical properties such as acid value, peroxide value and saponification value were 17.41 ± 0.43 mg/KOH/g, 57.74 ± 2.77 meq/kg−1 and 236.341 ± 6.80 mg/KOH/g, respectively. Also, free fatty acid of 8.75% and iodine value of 29 ± 0.16 mg/100g were obtained. The identified fatty acids present included n-hexadecanoic acid (7.55%), 13-hexyloxacyctri-dec-10-en-2-one (1.19%), oleic acids (30.21%), octadecanoic acid (5.28%), hexadecanoic acid (2.37%), undecylenic acid (40.33%), 9-octadecanal (7.09%), and 9, 17-octadecadienal (5.98%). The properties of oil extracted revealed that the seed is a good source of oil which could be employed for industrial purposes.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Albidum) on the Glucose and Triacylglycerol Concentrations in Albino Rats

Effect of Aqueous Extract of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Albidum) on the Glucose and Triacylglycerol Concentrations in Albino Rats

<i>In vitro</i> Antioxidant Activity of <i>Chrysophyllum albidum</i> Fruit

Chrysophyllum albidum (African star apple) is a tropical plant commonly found in Nigeria. It has acquired a reputation in folklore as a formidable therapeutic agent against yellow fever, malaria, diarrhea, vaginal and dermatological infections. This study was carried out to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of three extracts [aqueous (AE), methanol (ME) and petroleum ether (PE)] of the plant fruit using two antioxidant tests. The ferric ion reductive power and % H2O2 inhibition of the fruit extracts at 1 mg/ml concentration were evaluated, the result followed the pattern AE > ME > PE showing the strongest to the least strong antioxidant activity. However, the % H2O2 inhibition between the aqueous and methanolic extracts has no significant (p > 0.05) difference . A Comparative study reveals that the reductive power of ascorbic acid (1 mg/ml) is significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the fruit extracts except of aqueous extract. Though the % H2O2 inhibition of ascorbic acid was greater than all the extracts, a statistical difference (p < 0.05) was only observed in petroleum ether extracts of the fruit. This finding suggests that African star Apple has the potential to prevent lipid peroxidation and radical chain reactions. Hence, relishing the fruit as part of dietary intake and further exploitation as a therapeutic agent should be encouraged.

Phenolic profiling and in vitro antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antimonoamine oxidase properties of aqueous extract of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) fruit parts

Phenolic profiling and in vitro antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antimonoamine oxidase properties of aqueous extract of African star apple (<i>Chrysophyllum albidum</i>) fruit parts

Food Security in the Face of Climate Change: Potential Roles of Underutilised Plant Species around Some Rural Homesteads in the Niger Delta

The food and nutrition status of the rural poor living in extreme deprivation are precarious in the event of catastrophic events occasioned by climate change. This study aimed at elaborating the potential roles of underutilised plant resources as sources of food in the face of climate change. A total of 37 plant species of different growth habits were sighted within the homesteads in the study communities. The commonest plant species around home provide food, medicine, cash, and cultural or spiritual purposes. These included Manihot esculenta (Cassava), Musa sapentium var. paradisiaca (Plantains) Musa sapentium (banana), Citrus sinensis (orange) and Elaeis guineensis (oil palm). Outside the home compounds to a considerable walking distance around each of the communities, a total of twenty seven (27) plant species and four habitat types (three terrestrial and one aquatic) were encountered, with Elaeis guineensis Jacq. being present in all the terrestrial ecotypes (forest, farmland and fallow regrowth). Many of the plant species encountered within the home compounds are edible; some are medicinal or have spiritual values, while most have multiple uses. Magnifera indica, Dacryodes edulis, Persea americana, Carica papaya, Chrysophyllum albidum and Ananas comosus, are cherished for their tasty fruits. Vernonia amygdalina, Telferia occidentalis, Ocimum brasilicum, Amaranthus hybridus and Gnetum africana are eaten vegetables in soups. Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) is valued for its seeds, which are used widely in preparing the Ogbono soup, which is widely popular across Nigeria. The kola nut (Cola nitida), bitter kola (Garcina kola) trees and yams (Dioscorea spp) serve significant spiritual/cultural roles amongst the local populace in the study area—they are always presented at ceremonies such as marriages, funerals and festivals. Plant species with mostly untapped potentials to supply food and nutrients to the rural dwellers in the study area include breadfruit (Artocarpus cummunis), Avocado pear (Persia americana), Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis), Native pear (Dacryodes edulis), African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum), and Raphia palm (Raphia hookeri) and Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa). These plants are reported to contain variable amounts of dietary nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and fibre. Some of the plants have potentials to supply raw materials to sustain food and beverage industries.

Proximate Composition, Extraction of Oil and Production of Biodiesel from Chrysophyllum albidum (African Star Apple) Seeds

Proximate Composition, Extraction of Oil and Production of Biodiesel from Chrysophyllum albidum (African Star Apple) Seeds

ROASTED AFRICAN STAR APPLE (Chrysophyllum albidum) KERNEL MEAL IMPROVES GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF GROWING RABBITS

&lt;p&gt;Nutritionally, &lt;em&gt;Chrysophyllum albidum &lt;/em&gt;seeds have been reported to contain high amount of energy. However, the presence of anti-nutritional substances such as phytate, oxalate, saponin, and tannin in the seeds hinder animals from benefitting from it nutritionally. A 12-week study was carried out to examine the effect of substituting dietary maize with roasted African star apple kernel meal (RASAKM) on growth performance and blood indices of growing rabbits. A total of forty eight weaner rabbits (mixed breed, average weight, 590 g) were randomly allocated to four experimental diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15 % RASAKM as substitute for dietary maize in a Completely Randomized Design. Roasted ASAKM influenced (P&amp;lt; 0.05) weight gain, feed conversion ratio and carcass parameters measured. Rabbits fed 5 and 10 % RASAKM diets had similar (P&amp;gt;0.05) weight gain (17.47 g and 16.69 g) with those fed the control diet (18.62 g). Rabbits fed 5 and 10 % RASAKM diets produced higher (P&amp;lt; 0.05) carcass compared with those fed 15 % RASAKM. Haematological indices analysed were not influenced (P&amp;gt;0.05) by the dietary treatments except for white blood cell and monocytes. It was concluded that RASAKM could be used up to 10 % to replace dietary maize in the diet of growing rabbits without compromising performance and carcass quality.&lt;/p&gt;

Proximate Composition, Phytonutrients and Antioxidant Properties of Oven Dried and Vacuum Dried African Star Apple ( Chrysophyllum albidum ) Products

Chrysophyllum albidum has been reported to be a medicinal plant due to its high Vitamin C content and the presence of phytonutrient such as phenols and flavonoids. Freshly harvested African star apple fruits were processed and separated into pulp, seeds and peel and were dried between 60°C to 65°C using different forms of drying technology, specifically Oven drying and Vacuum drying. The dried products were subjected to proximate, elemental and vitamin C analysis. Also, the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the products were determined and their antioxidant potentials explored. Results showed that samples that were vacuum dried retained their nutritional composition, phytonutrient content and antioxidant potentials better than samples that were oven dried. Also, results showed that the seeds appeared to contain more fibre, ash, protein and fat content than all other fruit parts. However, the pulp contained more moisture and Vitamin C content while the peels were the richest in carbohydrates. Results also revealed that the pulp had the highest phytonutrient content and as such exhibited more antioxidant potentials than all other fruit part.

Comparative &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; antioxidant properties of water juice from selected African fruits consumed in Calabar, Cross River State (CRS), Nigeria

This study is based on a comprehensive comparison among different African fruits relative to one another and to identify the ones with high antioxidant capacity as compared to the standard ascorbic acid. The antioxidant capacity was analyzed using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radical spectrophotometric assays. The results of the DPPH assay indicated the antioxidant capacity as follows (decreasing order): Soursop ( Annona muricata ) (81.81% at 400ug/ml), sweet orange ( Citrus sinensis ) (75.62% at 400ug/ml), cocoa ( Theobroma cacao ) (72.26% at 400ug/ml), watermelon ( Citrulluslanatus ) (70.50% at 50ug/ml), chivita (70.03% at 400ug/ml), garden egg ( Solanummelongena ) (65.58% at 100ug/ml), pawpaw ( Carica papaya ) (65.53% at 100ug/ml), surinam cherry ( Eugenia uniflora ) (65.00% at 400ug/ml), tomatoes ( Solanumlycopersicum ) (64.99% at 400ug/ml), malay apple ( Syzygiummalaccense ) (61.67% at 200ug/ml), tangerine ( Citrus tangerina ) (61.42% at 400ug/ml), monkey cola ( Cola millenii K. Sckhum ) (60.88% at 100ug/ml), lime ( Citrus aurantifolia ) (52.87% at 100ug/ml), cucumber ( Cucumissativus ) (51.71% at 400ug/ml). The antioxidant capacities of the fruit juices were however, less when compared to the standard ascorbic acid. The FRAP assay result revealed that only the juices from African star apple ( Chrysophyllumafricanum ) and cocoa ( Theobroma cacao ) were significantly ( p <0.05) higher than the standard ascorbic acid at 400ug/ml. The fruit juices have been demonstrated as good sources of natural antioxidants, hence can be exploited in the production of functional foods.

Development and evaluation of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) based food supplement and its potential in combating oxidative stress

Africa Star apple (ASA) remains under-utilized. Development into an acceptable food supplement (FS) with anti-stress potentials has not been explored.ASA were washed, de-pulped, oven-dried (65°C, 18h) and milled (≤180µm). Possible bioactives were investigated using Gas-Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry. Blending with pre-gelatinized starch (pulp:starch, 7:3) followed, yielding the FS. Chemical parameters and sensory attributes were determined. Impact on oxidative stress marker - malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were monitored in Rats stressed and fed FS.FS had predominantly 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (0.58mg/kg) with high free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH, 86.23%). Mean Sensory (taste) scores for food supplemented with FS (5.5±1.17) compared favourably with the unsupplemented (6.2±1.03). MDA was lower (0.92±0.04nmole/ml) in Rats stressed and fed the FS when compared to exclusively stressed groups (2.28±0.09nmole/ml). FS also significantly (P=0.05) enhanced (36–109%) the activities of antioxidant enzymes.An acceptable FS with good anti-stress potential has been developed to further expand the utilization for ASA.

Comparative Studies on Proximate Composition and Phytochemical Screening of Mango, Key lime, African star apple and African pear Seeds as Possible Coagulant Aids for Water Treatment

Many fruits including mango (Mangifera indica), key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) and African or bush pear (Dacryodes edulis) are nutritionally valuable as human food, however after consumption of the fruits, their seeds are discarded as wastes since they are of no commercial value and this results in disposal problems. Hence assessment of the constituents of such waste seeds will enable their application to be considered. In this study the proximate composition and phytochemical constituents of the seeds of Duncan mango (Mangifera indica), key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum: C. acreanum) and African or bush pear (Dacryodes edulis: D.e.var.edulis) obtained from southern part of Nigeria have been investigated and compared for the four different seeds. The results obtained from the proximate analyses showed that the major constituent of the seeds are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The key lime seed was found to contain more protein and fat compared to the other seeds while the African star apple seed was found to contain the least fat and more carbohydrate compared to the other seeds. The phytochemicals detected in all the seeds were tannins, glycoside, coumarins and phenols, however steroids were absent. Only African star apple seed contained saponins and alkaloids. The results further indicated that only the key lime seed was devoid of flavonoid and starch. Tannins in plants have been reported to be among the active agents that bring about coagulation and natural polymers (proteins, carbohydrate (starch) etc.) act as bridging flocculants. Saponins, flavonoids coumarins and phenols have also been reported to posses antibacterial potentials against pathogenic organisms. This study shows that these seeds contain these constituents and they are present in reasonable amount. Therefore it is concluded that these seeds can be investigated as possible coagulant aids for drinking water treatment.

Utilization of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) kernel meal in broiler diets

The effect of feeding graded levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) of untreated African star apple kernel meal (ASAKM) on the performance and blood profile of broilers was investigated in an 8-week trial. Two hundred and ten oneweek-old Cobb strain broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 7 diets with 3 replicates of 10 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design. Data on minerals, vitamins, amino acids and quantification of some anti-nutrients were assayed. The results showed that the kernel was high in nutrients, especially carbohydrate as a source of energy but contains high levels of anti-nutritional or toxic factors. Performance traits (p&lt;0.05) of broilers fed ASAKM gave poor results though without mortality. The increment of dietary levels of the untreated ASAKM did not negatively influence blood composition and most of the measured biochemical indices, the parameters were better (p&lt;0.05), or had values statistically similar with the control diet compared with those on the test diets (p&gt;0.05). Increasing levels of ASAKM in diets caused elevation of AST, ALT, ALP and a significant increase in blood urea levels in the raw kernel meal based diets relative to the control diet (p&lt;0.05). Based on the performance of the birds fed the raw ASAKM, it may be concluded that broilers could barely tolerate 5% raw ASAKM in their diets with minimum adverse effects. However, the values of the blood parameters particularly the red blood cells favoured erythropoiesis, suggesting that the African star apple kernel meal had no detrimental effect on the health status of the birds. Subsequent research should process the raw star apple seed meal before dietary inclusion for optimum results.

Phytochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Ethanolic Seed Extracts of Chrysophyllum albidum (African Star Apple)

Phytochemical and antibacterial properties of ethanolic extract of the seeds of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) were investigated. The phytochemical result revealed the presence of saponins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, quinones, cardiac glycosides, fatty acids and terpenoids. The antibacterial activity was studied using agar well diffusion method at different concentrations against six pathogenic bacterial strains, three Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus varians and Bacillus cereus) and three Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris). Significant inhibitory activities were exhibited by the ethanolic seed extracts for all test organisms except Bacillus cereus. Zone of inhibition of the crude ethanolic extract was correlated with that of a standard antibiotic Gentamicin, for antibacterial activity. The results indicated a notable inhibition of the bacterial growth.

Non-isothermal kinetic study of de-oiled seeds cake of African star apple (Chrosophyllum albidum) using thermogravimetry.

Thermal decomposition and kinetics behaviour of the de-oiled seed cake of African star apple (Chrosophyllum albidum) has been investigated using thermogravimetry under the nitrogen atmosphere from ambient temperature to 900 °C. The thermogravimetric data for the cake decomposition at six different heating rates (5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 °C/min) were used to evaluate the kinetic decomposition of the cake using Friedman (FD), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) models. Thermal decomposition of the cake showed thermograms indicating dehydration and devolitilization stages (200–400 °C). The maximum temperature for the decomposition of the cake (Tmax) increases from 289.42–335.96 °C with increase in heating rates. The average apparent activation energy (Ea) values of 153.15, 145.14 and 147.15 kJ/mol were calculated using Friedman, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose, and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa models respectively. The extent of mass conversion (α) shows dependence on apparent activation Ea values which is an evidence of multi-step decomposition kinetic. The thermal profile and kinetic data obtained could be helpful in evaluating the thermal stability of the cake as well as modeling, designing and developing a thermo-chemical system for the conversion of the cake to fuel.

Economic Studies on the Production of Fruit Juice from a Locally Sourced Fruit ‘African Star Apple’

The economic evaluation for the production of fruit juice from the Africa star apple otherwise known as ‘Agbalumo’ in the south western part of Nigeria was evaluated using the NPV (Net Present value) and IRR (Internal Rate of Return) methods assuming a uniform cash flow over a 10-year plant life. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by varying the number of production days (330, 300 and 250 days) at 100% plant capacity and varying the plant capacity (100, 85 and 70%) for a 330-day production schedule. Some components of the operating cost reduced with number of days and plant capacities. The production cost and product cost per unit increased with either plant capacity utilization or the number of days. It was observed that product cost/ 500ml Tetra Pak of Agbalumo juice at 85% and 70% stood at ₦37.48 while payback time/profitability percent had better index at 300 and 250 days compared to 330 days of plant operation. The results further indicated that the plant should not be operated for less than 250 days and plant capacity utilization of 70% in the year. Flexibility in the plant capacity utilization in the range of 70%-85% for 330 days shows a good economic performance as well as result of the NPV and IRR for this operating condition.

English

Microorganisms associated with African star apple (Chrysophylum albidum Linn), their quality characteristics and hydrolases were investigated. The bacteria species were Bacillus cereus, B. polymyxa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, while the fungi species were Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. repens, Fusarium sp., Mucor mucedo, Trichoderma viride and Rhizopus stolonifer. Pathogenicity tests revealed that all the isolates were pathogenic on the fruits. Proximate analysis showed that microbial infections significantly reduced the carbohydrate, crude fibre, protein, moisture content and fat. However, mineral analysis accounted for an increased K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn and P in an infected fruits compared with the apparently healthy fruits. The pH values ranged from 5.05 to 5.23. Massive infection leading to the deterioration of the fruits that could ultimately affect its quality posing health risk could be reduced by the early consumption of the fruits. All the microbial isolates produced the hydrolases which could be responsible to their enhanced abilities to deteriorate the fruit. Key words: African star apple, fruits, hydrolases, pathogenic, infections, microorganisms.

Hypolipidemic and Antioxidative Effects of African Star Apple Juice (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Chrysophylum albidum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) on Rats Fed on Diets High in Cholesterol and Oil

This study investigated the possible hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of Chrysophylum albidum juice in rats fed on highcholesterol and fatty diets (HFCD). The juice was expressed, pasteurized and frozen until needed. Diets were formulated by mixing at different ratios. Bio-assay of the blends was carried out for a period of 28 days. Twenty five male rats were divided into five groups of five each: a normal diet group, a high-cholesterol diet group, a high Fat/Cholesterol diet with 3 ml of African Star Apple Juice group, a high Fat/Cholesterol diet with 6 ml of African Star Apple Juice group, and a high Fat/Cholesterol diet with 9 ml of African Star Apple Juice group. Blood serum, selected tissues and organs were collected and the serum lipid profile, organ histology and oxidative stress test were carried out at the end of the animal experimentation. The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and artherogenic index obtained from rats treated with African star apple juice (3 ml, 6 ml and 9 ml) decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05), compared respectively to the HFCD rats. The results also showed that treatment with African star apple (Chrysophylum albidum) positively changed plasma antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid profiles in cholesterol-fed rats, and thus may have potential hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects, and by inference, the antiatherogenic properties in male rats. African star apple (Chrysophylum albidum) juice could protect against oxidative stress linked atherosclerosis and decrease the atherogenic index, thereby supporting the local use of Chrysophylum albidum in the management of atherosclerosis and hypertensive conditions.

Promoting food security and enhancing Nigeria's small farmers' income through value-added processing of lesser-known and under-utilized indigenous fruits and vegetables

In Nigeria and other African countries, there are hundreds of lesser-known indigenous crops as well as other food plants gathered from the wild that contribute to food security and play vital roles in the nutrition of the people particularly the rural populace. These native crops and wild food plants that have received little research attention or extension activities and have been largely neglected by the mainstream of international science include a wide variety of wild indigenous fruits and vegetables that enrich the diet of the rural populace and could thrive with little care and without the use of costly agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Among them are numerous fruits of Nigerian trees that grow wild in the rain forest and the woodland savanna zones or are cultivated on small, compound farms. These fruits that are consumed fresh are rich sources of nutrients including ascorbic acid, provitamin A carotenoids, minerals and nutraceuticals with health-promoting benefits. There is the need to promote the cultivation and utilization of many of these indigenous fruit trees including African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum), African mango (Irvingia gabonensis), African or native pear (Dacryodes edulis) and hog plum (Spondias mombin) that are also of considerable environmental significance and protect them from uncontrolled wood felling activities that result in deforestation. Laboratory studies have shown that good quality fruit leathers, jams, juices and other drinks can be produced from several lesser-known and under-utilized Nigerian fruits and vegetables including African star apple (C. albidum), African mango (I. gabonensis), hog plum (S. mombin), tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) using simple procedures suitable for small-scale commercial production including osmotic dehydration, open-kettle jam-making process and mechanical juice extraction followed by hot water pasteurization. Removing the constraints to the development of small-scale food industries which include inadequate electricity supply, use of inappropriate technology, inadequate working capital, high interest rates, and limited access to banks and other financial institutions would facilitate commercial production of these value-added foods in rural communities thereby reducing post-harvest losses, promoting food security, enhancing small farmers' income and contributing to sustainable rural development.

Starch composition, glycemic indices, phenolic constituents, and antioxidative and antidiabetic properties of some common tropical fruits

BackgroundStudies have supported the protective effect of high fruit consumption in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. MethodsThirteen fresh tropical fruits were sourced for and the fruits juices were extracted, freeze dried, and then reconstituted for analysis. The sugar, starch, amylose, and amylopectin contents as well as glycemic indices, antioxidant properties, and the ability of the fruits to inhibit starch-hydrolyzing enzymes were determined. Also, the phenolic constituents of the fruits were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector. ResultsThe starch, sugar, amylase, and amylopectin contents were 3.01–3.89 g/100 g, 35.34–60.91 g/100 g, 0.84–1.46 g/100 g, and 1.68–2.86 g/100 g, respectively, while the glycemic indices were 28.01–68.34, with African star apple (28.01) having the lowest and watermelon (68.34) the highest. Furthermore, the fruits exhibited high antioxidant properties as exemplified by their DPPH, ABTS+, OH, and NO radical scavenging abilities. Likewise, the fruits also demonstrated α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory property with Soursop (IC50 = 18.52 μg/mL), guava (IC50 = 19.77 μg/mL), and African star apple (IC50 = 20.86 μg/mL) showing the highest inhibitory potential among the 13 fruits. Similarly, the same trend was followed for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. ConclusionThe fruits' low glycemic indices, strong antioxidant properties, and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities could be possible mechanisms for their use in the management and prevention of type-2 diabetes.

Assessment of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) Fruit Damage Due to Insect Pests in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Damage of fruits by insect pests is one of the major problems faced by fruit sellers in many parts of the country. African star apple Chrysophyllum albidum G.Don. is one of the indigenous fruits that are highly damaged by insect pests during the fruiting season and in storage. A survey of markets and environs were carried out in Ibadan metropolis during the fruiting seasons for two years to determine the associated insect pests and the extent of damage done to C. albidum. Samples of ripe fruits were randomly collected from seven markets and homestead trees at different locations in Ibadan metropolis. Samples were examined in the laboratory at the Federal College of Forestry for damage and the causative agents were identified. Collections made periodically from green fruits to ripening in orchard at Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria showed that infestation of unripe fruits was by scale insects Coccus hesperidum L. while the ripe fruits were mainly attacked by fruit flies (Drosphillla spp. and Cerattis capitata Weid). Infestations were most severe in the market samples than the homestead tree samples. Severity of infestation ranged between 10-35% of the sampled fruits during the periods of the study. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the number of fruit fly species collected from different markets or from trees in the sampled locations. There were positive and negative correlations between the ripeness of fruits and attack by fruit flies and scale insects respectively.