Underutilized Tropical Fruit Research Articles

Physicochemical and functional properties of pectin extracted from the edible portions of jackfruit at different stages of maturity.

The physicochemical and functional properties of pectin (JFP) extracted from edible portions (including pericarp and seed) of raw jackfruit (an underutilized tropical fruit) at four different maturity stages (referred to as stages I, II, III, and IV) were characterized in terms of extraction yields, chemical composition, molecular weight, and antioxidant properties to evaluate its potential use in foods. The JFP yield increased from 9.7% to 21.5% with fruit maturity, accompanied by an increase in the galacturonic acid content (50.1%, 57.1%, 63.6%, and 65.2%) for stages I-IV respectively. The molecular weight increased from 147 kDa in stage I to 169 kDa in stage III, but decreased to 114 kDa in stage IV, probably due to cell-wall degradation during maturation. The JFP was of the high methoxyl type and the degree of esterification increased from 65% to 87% with fruit maturity. The functional properties of JFP were similar to or better than those reported for commercial apple pectin, thus highlighting its potential as a food additive. Although the phenolics and flavonoids content of JFP decreased with fruit maturity, their antioxidant capacity increased, which may be correlated with the increased content of galacturonic acid upon fruit development. Gels prepared from JFP showed viscoelastic behavior. Depending on the maturity stage in which they were obtained, different gelation behavior was seen. The study confirmed the potential of pectin extracted from edible parts of jackfruit as a promising source of high-quality gelling pectin with antioxidant properties, for food applications. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION, PHENOLIC CONSTITUENTS AND FREE-RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF PEELS AND PULP OF AFRICAN BUSH MANGO (Irvingia gabonensis) FRUIT

This paper focuses on the evaluation of nutritional and anti-nutritional potentials, antioxidant, and phenolic constituents of edible portions (peel and pulp) of African bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) fruit. The nutritional status of I. gabonensis fruit peel and pulp were evaluated by determining the proximate indices, vitamin (A and C), mineral compositions and antioxidant analyses. All these were quantified using standard methods. The results of the proximate analysis showed moisture content (79.4 - 81.33 g/100g), mineral ash (0.59 - 0.87 g/100g), crude fibre (9.32 - 10.27 g/100g), crude protein (1.22 - 1.57 g/100g), crude fat (1.69 - 2.23 g/100g) and carbohydrate (5.78 - 5.98 g/100g) per fresh weights respectively. Among all minerals, potassium was found to have highest values with 31.3 ± 0.62 mg/100g and 29.5 ± 0.78 mg/100g for the peel and pulp respectively. The pulp and peel of I. gabonesis showed almost similar pattern of scavenging activities while the pulp showed higher total antioxidant capacity than peel. Tannin and oxalate contents are lower in the pulp than peel, while the phytate and the alkaloid contents are higher in the pulp extract than peel. HPLC analysis confirmed the predominant compounds which include, ellagic acid (121 mg/100g); protocatechuic acid (65 mg/100g); gallic acid (46.2 mg/100g); chlorogenic acid (37.9 mg/100g); caffeic acid (9.33 mg/100g); and kaempferol (3.05 mg/100 g) for the peel extract while pulp gave ellagic acid (0.071 mg/100g); protocatechuic acid (1.65 mg/100g); gallic acid (3.73 mg/100g); chlorogenic acid (3.56 mg/100g); caffeic acid (0.85 mg/100g); and kaempferol (0.08 mg/100g).. The underutilized tropical fruit of I. gabonensis has considerable antioxidant activity and may possess phytochemicals that could impact human health.

Evaluation of functional attributes and storage stability of novel juice blends from baobab, pineapple, and black-plum fruits

Several under-utilized tropical fruits have exceptional micronutrients and phytochemical composition with the potential to contribute to the nutrition of people and also enhance food security. This study was carried out to evaluate the quality attributes and storage stability of juice blends of baobab (Adansonia digitata), pineapple (Ananas comosus), and black-plum (Syzygium cumini) fruits for use as functional beverages. Juice blends were analyzed for physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties. Mineral compositions and storage stability of the pasteurized juice blends at 4 °C for 4 weeks were also investigated. Results showed that the vitamin C contents of individual juices synergistically contributed to the high values observed in the blends (317.45–414.51 mg/L). Juice blends of baobab, pineapple, and black-plum fruits are good sources of calcium (57–153 mg/L), magnesium (71–130 mg/L) and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, total polyphenol contents (65–104 mg GAE/100 mL), scavenging ability (105.97–359.71 μmol TE/100 mL), and reducing potential (1376–1829 μMFe2+ L) the consumption of which will promote human health. Blending enhanced the sensory qualities of the individual juices with improved taste and consumer acceptability. The juice blends kept well for two weeks at 4 °C though the color becomes less intense at the end of the storage period. These findings suggest that baobab-fruit pulp, pineapple, and black-plum fruits can be major ingredients in producing a consumer acceptable anti-oxidant rich functional beverage for optimal benefits to consumers.

Evaluation of Functional Attributes and Storage Stability of Novel Juice Blends from Baobab, Pineapple, and Black-Plum Fruits

Several under-utilized tropical fruits have exceptional micronutrients and phytochemical composition with the potential to contribute to the nutrition of people and also enhance food security. This study was carried out to evaluate the quality attributes and storage stability of juice blends of baobab, pineapple, and black-plum fruits for use as functional beverages. Juice blends were analyzed for physicochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties. Mineral compositions and storage stability of the pasteurized juice blends at 4°C for 4 weeks were also investigated. Results showed that the vitamin C contents of individual juices synergistically contributed to the high values observed in the blends. Juice blends of baobab, pineapple and black-plum fruits are good source of calcium, magnesium and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, total polyphenol contents, scavenging ability, and reducing potential) the consumption of which will promote human health. Blending enhanced the sensory qualities of the individual juices with improved taste and consumer acceptability.

Can Underutilized Tropical Fruits Meet the Nutritional Requirements of Rural Indonesia?

Tropical fruits form a potential source of micronutrients. However, a lot of these fruit species remain underutilized in developing countries. This study explores the potential of underutilized tropical fruits in Kalimantan, Indonesia, in meeting the micro-nutrient requirements of its populace. The study employs focus group discussions and a systematic literature search and review process to gather data.79% of the species studied were profuse in at least one essential micronutrient, and 53% of the species contain at least one micronutrient of priority concern in high concentration. No nutritional information was available for 26% of the reviewed species, and 40% of the species for which information is available in the literature lacked data on at least one priority micro-nutrient. Simultaneous fruiting of priority micro-nutrient rich species occurring in the different agroecosystems of Kalimantan, namely limbo gardens, homesteads, and forests, corroborates the importance of landscape diversity in meeting the year-round nutritional needs of its people. Given how the Covid19 pandemic has impacted people's food security, it is essential to address these knowledge gaps to aid the ongoing efforts to reshape our food systems in the future.

A novel underutilized starch resource— Lucuma nervosa A.DC seed and fruit

The starch isolated from Pouteria campechiana seeds and pulp is the novel underutilized tropical fruit resource. Pouteria campechiana seed starch (PCSS) had higher amylose content (33.65%), peak viscosity (PV) (4612 cP), breakdown viscosity (BDV) (1993 cP), pasting temperature (Tp) (74.45 °C), gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH) (11.06 J/g), gel adhesiveness (−5.15 g-s), relative crystallinity (Rc) (22.68%), and short-range molecular order (0.740) than Pouteria campechiana pulp starch (PCPS) (16.63%, 4288 cP, 544 cP, 70.95 °C, 8.43 J/g, −10.22 g-s, 17.65%, and 0.675, respectively). Contrastingly, PCSS had lower final viscosity (FV) (3651 cP), setback viscosity (SBV) (1032 cP), gel hardness (173.69 g), water absorption capacity (WAC) (95.21%), and average particle size (7.26 μm) than PCPS (5763 cP, 2019 cP, 243.39 g, 122.86%, and 9.21 μm, respectively). PCSS and PCPS had A-type crystalline structures. A principal component analysis disclosed significantly positive correlations between 1047/1,022, amylose, Rc, Tp, ΔH, and Pt (p < 0.05). Porosity, PV, BDV, FV, gel adhesiveness, gel hardness, and WAC were significantly positively correlated with particle size and SBV whereas 1047/1,022, amylose, Rc, Tp, Pt, and ΔH were significantly negatively correlated with these parameters (p < 0.05). Thus, a theoretical reference for further empirical investigations into P. campechiana fruit and seed starch applications in the food industry has been provided.

Dyeing of silk yarn with the natural extract from the underutilized tropical fruit pericarp of Ptychosperma macarthurii

Flavonoid constituents from the aqueous extract of the fruit pericarp of P. macarthurii have potential use as dyestuffs for silk. In this work, silk yarn which was pretreated with a microcrystalline chitosan as well as a polydopamine, followed by dyeing with the P. macarthurii extract provided better depth of shade (K/S) and also gave better fastness to light and washing than the untreated dyed silk yarn. In addition, it was found that simultaneous mordanting with copper sulfate exhibited better fastness to light compared with the other samples. Post-mordanting silk yarn with a bio-mordant solution from Memecylon scutellatum leaves or alum gave good light and wash fastness of the resultant dyed yarn compared with the untreated dyed silk yarn. Moreover, the dyed silk yarn with this extract showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum and Candida albicans.

Development and evaluation of African palmyra palm (Borassus aethiopum) fruit flour–wheat composite flour noodles

Borassus aethiopum (African palmyra palm (APP)) fruit is an underutilized tropical fruit but has potential food applications. In the present work, the suitability of APP fruit–wheat composite flour in the development of noodles was investigated. The fresh APP fruit pulp was separated, oven-dried at 60°C and milled into flour. The obtained flour was mixed with commercial wheat flour to obtain three composite flours with 5%, 10% and 15% of APP fruit flour. The functional properties and proximate composition of the composite flours were determined. The cooking properties and consumer preference of the noodles developed were also evaluated. The cooking yield, water uptake and gruel solid loss ranged from 259.81% to 300.97%, 159.81% to 200.97% and 11.52% to 17.11%, respectively. The water absorption capacities, swelling power and the solubility indices of the flours ranged from 197.10% to 492.66%, 621.99% to 734.91% and 4.53 to 26.48%, respectively. On the 7-point hedonic scale, the flavour, smell, colour and overall acceptability ranged between 4.2 and 5.3, 4.8 and 5.65, 4.05 and 5.3 and 4.10 and 5.03, respectively. The inclusion of APP fruit flour at 5% level yielded noodles with enhanced nutritional quality and highest overall consumer acceptability.

English

There is increasing awareness of&nbsp;functional potentials&nbsp;of African star apple (ASA) as an underutilized tropical fruit, yet little is known of&nbsp;alterations to its product properties&nbsp;during storage. Changes in&nbsp;antioxidant&nbsp;and antinutritional composition of beverages derived from&nbsp;ASA&nbsp;peel, pulp and seed coat fractions during 8-week storage at 26&deg;C were investigated. Drinks derived from the peel were registered and retained significantly higher concentration of vitamin C (0.53 mg/ml, 45%) than pulp (0.17 mg/ml, 6%) and seed coat (0.35 mg/ml, 9%) drinks. Pulp fraction had higher initial flavonoid and total phenolic contents (6.44 mg/100 ml and 13.37 mg/ml) than peel (3.41 mg/100 ml and 3.05 mg/ml) and seed coat fractions (3.65 mg/100 ml and 3.04 mg/ml) but decreased significantly at 92 and 93%, 90 and 67% and 81 and 67% respectively. Beverages derived from the peel, pulp and seed coat showed 98.67, 75.30 and 76.97% DPPH and FRAP of 22.20, 10.90 and 11.87 &micro;mol/ml respectively. A continuous decrease in oxalates and saponin, and slight increase in tannin and phytate levels were observed in all samples throughout the storage period. Findings confirmed the functional potential of ASA tissue beverages as rich sources of natural antioxidants. Effect of ambient storage on stability of studied bioactive compounds was found to be significant and may be a possible indication of product shelf life. &nbsp; Key words: Bioactive components, antioxidant activity, anti-nutritional factors, Chrysophyllum albidum, storage stability.

Propagation of underutilized tropical fruit crops – a review

Underutilized fruits are those having less economic importance than the more popular ones and also those usually grown in very limited areas and are familiar only to few people. They are cheap and highly nutritious. They are endowed with several medicinal and therapeutic properties and are used by local people to cure various diseases. From many of them, the fruit, seed, leaf of the plant are used as curative foods in traditional Indian medicine and Ayurveda. In addition some have an excellent flavor and taste and are used for preparing delicacies at home. In tropical parts of the world some of the underutilized fruits are: jack fruit, jamun, carombola, tamarind, wood apple, kokam, khirni, lasora, Barbodos gooseberry, etc. Propagation of true-to-type plants is essential in these crops in order to maintain genetic purity and establish orchards of desirable characters. Different methods of propagation as well as advancements made in the aspect of propagation in case of these underutilized fruits have to be thoroughly reviewed. According to the research conducted at FRS,GAU, Gandevi by Patel et al. (1996) on the effect of different seed treatments on germination percentage of khirni seed, the seed treated with 1% thiourea for 6 h gave best (72%) and earliest germination percentage. Dung treated khirni seed kept for 24 h was found to show 97% germination. A research trial conducted by Misra and Jaiswal (1993) at GB Panth University of Agriculture Technology, Panthnagar reported that 10000 ppm IBA treated stool layers of karonda gave the best percent of rooting (86.90) and the longest length of root (14.43 cm). In an experiment conducted by Alila (2010) under Nagaland conditions, it was reported that etiolated air layers of jack fruit with 10000 ppm IBA gave a higher rooting percentage (72.13%). The lowest performance was reported by IBA 2500 (58.34). In this article similar advancements have been reviewed and compiled.

Production and Evaluation of Breakfast Cereals from Flour Blends of Maize (Zea mays) and Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) Seeds

Aim: Jackfruit is an underutilized tropical and subtropical fruit that is consistently lost to wastages and postharvest losses, neither has it gained substantial research attention. Therefore, the study is aimed at the production and evaluation of breakfast cereals formulated from composite blends of maize flour and jackfruit seed flour.&#x0D; Study Design: This study was made to fit into a one way Analysis of Variance.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at the Department of Food Science and Technology laboratory, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, between February 2018 and October 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: Flaked breakfast cereals were produced from blends of different ratios of Maize flour to Jackfruit seed flour. The formulated breakfast cereal products were evaluated for proximate composition, functional properties, anti-nutritional properties, mineral content and sensory properties.&#x0D; Results: The mineral content of the formulated breakfast cereals showed significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in Ca(156.23-184.14mg/100g), Mg (179.28-207.81mg/100g), K(70.62-78.53mg/100g), Fe(4.01-5.46mg/100g), Na(9.44-10.66mg/100g), Zn(1.72-2.29mg/100g) and P(10.38-13.62mg/100g). The moisture content (3.83 - 4.14%) of the formulated products was acceptable for shelf life extension of the flaked breakfast cereal products. Protein, ash, crude fiber and fat content of the formulated breakfast cereal products increased with increased addition of jackfruit seed flour while the carbohydrate and energy value of the formulated products decreased with increased addition of jackfruit seed flour. Bulk density and water absorption capacity of the formulated products increased with increased addition of jackfruit seed flour while oil absorption capacity, foam capacity, viscosity and gelation capacity decreased with increased addition of jackfruit seed flour. Processing method significantly reduced the relatively high level of anti-nutrients associated with Jackfruit seed. Panelist preference increased with a corresponding decrease in jackfruit seed flour addition.&#x0D; Conclusion: Utilization of jackfruit in food product development may solve the problem of wastage and postharvest losses associated with this fruit.

Phenological growth stages and heat unit requirement of Indian blackberry (Syzygium cumini L., Skeels)

Indian blackberry (Syzygium cumini) is an important underutilized tropical fruit crop of India possessing high nutraceutical value. In this study phenological growth phases of Indian blackberry have been defined according to the extended BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale using three-digit numerical system. A total of 40 secondary growth stages of Indian blackberry have been defined within its seven principal growth stages viz; bud development (0), leaf development (1), shoot development (3), inflorescence development (5), flower development (6), fruit development (7) and fruit maturation (8). Heat unit requirement for each phenological growth stage was also worked out in terms of growing degree days (GDD). It was observed that more accumulated heat unit was required for shoot development and fruit development. Description of phenological growth stages and their heat unit requirements will not only be helpful in ensuring efficient orchard management but also in assessing the response of crop to climate variables and its adaptive potential.

Morphological, chemical and bioactive variation in selected Soursop germplasm

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) is an underutilized tropical fruit tree in Sri Lanka. The crop has shown variability for its fruit morphology and chemical constituents. Despite the importance of A. muricata collection, characterization and improvement of its germplasm has been limited in Sri Lanka, hindering its effective conservation through utilization. This study identified the morphological, chemical and bioactive variation of the selected germplasm of A. muricata. A multistage sampling survey was conducted in homegardens in the dry, intermediate and wet zones and random representative samples were collected from existing germplasm collections at the Research Centres in Sri Lanka. Morphological variations of A. muricata was observed in a total of 315 samples collected from three climatic zones and 133 samples obtained from germplasm collections at Research Centres. Although 45 morphological characters were recorded from 448 accessions only 15 characters were subjected to Principal Component Analysis, Factor Analysis and Cluster Analysis, due to lack of variability and low coefficient of variation. A dendrogram showed nine distinguishable clusters at 1% linkage distance. Further, cluster analysis by using chemical characters (total soluble solids, pH, reducing sugars, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity) showed three distinguishable clusters at 0.5% linkage distance. Accessions 104 and 423 with different traits such as fruit weight (0.7 - 3.5 kg), seeds (5 - 8 seeds / 100 g of fruit pulp), high total soluble solids, and moderate free radical scavenging capacity, can be considered as morpho-types with superior characters for selection and improvement of A. muricata in Sri Lanka.

Effect of Microwave Blanching on Slice Thickness and Quality Analysis of Star Fruit

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) is one of the underutilized tropical fruits and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Peroxidase (POD) is the most heat stable enzyme which is used as an indicator for adequacy of blanching process. Blanching is a prerequisite for the preservation of fruits and vegetables. Hot water blanching is having disadvantages like wastewater production and loss of valuable nutrients by leaching. Microwave blanching is one of the emerging and clean technology which seems to provide a better nutrient retention due to shorter heating time and zero wastewater production. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to identify a suitable blanching method (hot water blanching and microwave blanching) for different slice thickness (5, 10 and 15 mm) of star fruit that ensures enzyme inactivation and maximum retention of therapeutic value (ascorbic acid and oxalic acid). It was observed that blanching at 600, 480, 240 and 120 W power level for a slice thickness of 5, 10 and 15 mm required blanching time of 30-60 s, 40-70 s, 60-80 s, 80-150 s and 300-720 s respectively. For a given slice thickness, the moisture content of samples decreased with increase in power level. The moisture content was reduced to 84-88% w.b. from an initial value of 90% w.b. depending on power level and blanching time combinations. At the same time, the oxalic acid decreased significantly with increase in slice thickness and a decrease in power level. The change in ascorbic acid also showed a similar trend but the influence of slice thickness was not significant (p&gt;0.05).

Beneficial effects of tropical fruit-derived polyphenols against lipid-mediated stress in vitro.

Fatty liver formation is a consequence of hyperlipidemia, associated with an imbalance between lipid uptake and its metabolism. Persistent lipid load in the liver cells results in lipid-mediated toxicity or lipotoxicity which leads to the pathogenesis of several metabolic diseases. Recent studies suggest that activation of autophagic pathway might be useful to remove excess hepatic fat. Dietary polyphenols present in fresh fruits and vegetables are able to induce autophagy apart from their well-known anti-oxidative property. Our preliminary observation suggests that fruit-derived polyphenols might be effective to prevent hepatic fat accumulation by inducing autophagy. Total phenolic contents from dragon fruit and mangosteen have been used to address the beneficial properties of these two tropical fruits. Results showed that these polyphenols protect cells against lipotoxicity and oxidative stress. Expression levels of several key genes that are involved in lipid metabolism and energy expenditure were upregulated in presence of these polyphenols. This preliminary study suggests that the underutilized tropical fruits might be useful to develop functional foods, especially those containing beneficial phenolics.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Manually Operated Star Fruit Slicer

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is one of the underutilized tropical fruits, which contains large amount of therapeutic components in form of antioxidants, total phenolics, vitamin-C, minerals and dietary fibres. For commercial value-addition of the fruit, a hand-operated star fruit slicer suitable for small-scale processing was designed and developed. The slicer was evaluated for three fruit-slice thickness. The capacity, efficiency, loss percentage and standard slice percentage of the slicer varied with thickness. The slicer had slicing efficiency of 86 to 96% with effective capacity of about 30.18 - 7.46 kg.h-1 against 31 to 34% and 6.9 - 1.61 kg.h-1 by manual operation. The loss percentage and standard slice yield percentages were 9.53% to 15.11%, 83% to 91%, respectively, for mechanical; and 9.21% to 10.45%, 26% to 31%, respectively, for manual slicing. The results suggested that the developed star fruit slicer is simple, economical and more efficient with higher capacity than manual slicing for the range of fruit slice thickness required by small-scale processing units.

Growth, maturation and ripening of underutilizedCarissa congestafruit

Introduction. Carissa congesta (syn. C. carandas L.) belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is a sprawling semi-vine shrub native to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and China. However, it is categorized as an underutilized tropical fruit. One of the important prerequisites for the establishment of a fruit is to understand its growth and nutritional value changes as the fruit develops. Thus, this study was undertaken to study C. congesta fruit growth patterns and its compositional changes during maturation and ripening. Materials and methods. A total of 300 flowers at the full bloom stage were tagged randomly. The longitudinal and equatorial diameters of 34 fruits were measured every two weeks using a digital calliper until fruit had ripened. Compositional changes such as peel color, firmness, soluble solid concentration, titratable acidity, pH and vitamin C content of fruit were assessed from week 8 after flower full bloom until fruit had ripened. Results and discussion. The growth of C. congesta fruit exhibited a single sigmoidal curve, as measured by longitudinal and equatorial diameters. The peel color changed from pink to light red, and finally to dark purple, corresponding with the chromaticity values. The firmness of fruit decreased, while the soluble solid concentration increased as fruit matured and ripened. The increase in pH was paralleled by a decrease in the titratable acidity and content of vitamin C. Conclusion. Maturation and ripening affected the fruit nutritional composition of C. congesta . This fruit contains high vitamin C and it is worth exploring its potential as a new fruit crop for fresh consumption and processing.

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Total Phenol and Flavonoid Content and Antimicrobial Activities of Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit) of Underutilized Tropical Fruit Extracts

Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) pulp, peel and whole fruit were extracted with various solvents such as hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol. The antioxidant activity of these extracts were examined using the stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test. IC50 was 55 ± 5.89 μg/ml for the pulp part of methanol extract. In the β-carotene bleaching assay, the antioxidant activity was 90.02 ± 1.51 % for the positive control (Trolox) and 88.34 ± 1.31 % for the pulp part of the fruit methanol extract. The total phenolic content of the crude extracts was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure; methanol pulp part demonstrated the highest phenol content value of 781 ± 52.97 mg GAE/g of dry sample. While the total flavonoid content was determined using the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay, the highest value of 6213.33 ± 142.22 mg QE/g was indicated by pulp part of the fruit methanol extract. The antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts was tested using disc diffusion method against pathogenic microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans. Methanol extract of pulp part was recorded to have the highest zone of inhibition against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MBC/minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) for the extracts were also determined using the microdilution method ranging from 4000 to 63 μg/ml against pathogenic microbes. The MBC/MFC values varied from 250 to 4000 μg/ml. A correlation between antioxidant activity assays, antimicrobial activity and phenolic content was established. The results shows that the various parts of A. altilis fruit extracts promising antioxidant activities have potential bioactivities due to high content of phenolic compounds.

English

Six different crude extracts were obtained from the skin, pulp and whole fruit freeze-dried samples of Baccaurea angulata, an underutilized tropical fruit from Borneo Island of Malaysia. The effect of solvents on; total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, total carotene contents, free radical scavenging activities, phosphatidylcholine peroxidation inhibition activities and qualitative-quantitative compositions of ascorbic acid, carnosic, catechin, cinnamic and myricetin using using ultra high performance liquid chromatography were determined using their respective assays. The results indicated that methanol extracts contain higher TPC, TFC and TCC than PBS extracts for the various fruits' parts. Methanol extracts also showed remarkable antiradical activity. A strong correlation was also found between pulp and whole fruit. Overall, the variations in the UHPLC results among the various extracts were consistent with the results obtained for TPC, TFC, TCC, DPPH radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition activities of the various crude extracts, especially, methanol extracts. Keywords—Antioxidants, Baccaurea angulata, Lipid peroxidation, Underutilized.

Antioxidant potential and amino acid analysis of underutilized tropical fruit Limonia acidissima L.

Objective: Limonia acidissima L. an underutilized edible fruit was evaluated for its antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging ability, proximate and amino acid analysis using established in vitro assay models. Methods: 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) radical scavenging assay, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, nitric oxide radical (NO.) scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity (TAA) were carried out. The total phenolic (TP) and flavonoid contents (TF) of the extracts were determined and expressed as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents. Results: The highest percentage of phenol and flavonoid contents were observed in methanol and the lowest content was found in chloroform extract. Also, methanol extract recorded higher activity in DPPH., HRSA, FRAP and TAA whereas, ethyl acetate extract of the fruit was found to be active for ABTS.+ radical scavenging activity. Further, water extract of the fruit exhibited potentially high nitric oxide radical scavenging activity than other solvent extracts. Moreover, the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the fruit extract significantly correlated with antioxidant capacity. Amino acid analysis revealed that among, all essential amino acids, the concentrations of isoleucine, phenylalanine and tryptophan were found to be present in higher amounts. Conclusion: Positive correlation was observed between polyphenolic contents and the antioxidant capacities. It is evident from the study that the fruit possess potent antioxidant activity with enormous health benefits and thus may be used in food and pharmaceutical applications.