Phytochemical, Proximate Composition, Mineral, Antioxidant, and Radical Scavenging Capacity of Picralima nitida Fruit Pulp Aqueous Extract

Abstract

Picralima nitida (Apocynaceae) is widely known for its efficacy in ameliorating the discomfort associated with different diseases. The  objective of this research is to investigate the phytochemicals, proximate composition, antioxidant, and antioxidant capacity of unripe  aqueous fruit pulp extract of P. nitida. The unripe fruit pulp of P.nitida was dried, ground to powder, and soaked in distilled water. The  aqueous extract obtained was analyzed for phytochemicals and found to contain alkaloids, eugenols, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins,  tannins, and terpenoids, according to phytochemical analysis. Proximate composition showed a low fiber (0.43%), moisture content  (13.09%), fat (14.51%), protein (8.17%), ash content (10.30%), and moderate carbohydrate (53.50%). The antinutrients present in the  aqueous extract are alkaloids (8.72 mg/g), Saponins (8.65 mg/g), oxalate (75.95 mg/g) tannins (89.23 mg/g) and phytate (140 mg/g).  Mineral analyses showed the presence of Calcium (11.60 mg/g), sodium (21.00 mg/g), and potassium (161.84mg/g) having the highest  concentrations. Total phenol, total flavonoid, and vitamin C contents of the aqueous extracts of P.nitida fruit pulp had values of 39.24 mgGAE/g, 24.39 mgQE/g, and 17.02 mgAAE/g, respectively. Increased concentration of the extract led to increased percentage inhibition  of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. These findings revealed the inherent properties of P. nitida fruit pulp and its potential to be utilized  therapeutically.