NUTRITIVE EVALUATION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF UNDERUTILIZED INDIGENOUS EDIBLE FRUITS OF VELLIANGIRI HILLS, COIMBATORE DISTRICT

Abstract

The study was aimed to explore the nutritional status of 5 indigenous edible fruits viz., Ziziphus jujuba, Limonia acidissima, Ziziphus oenoplia, Phyllanthus emblica and Ficus racemosa along with their phytochemical profile. Phosphorous content was determined using indophenol blue method; K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Qualitative and quantitative estimations were carried out using standard procedures. In the present study, all the investigated samples presented substantial amount of P, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn content. The qualitative analysis revealed the presence
alkaloids, phenols and flavonoids in all the five investigated samples. However, tannins were detected only in Limonia acidissima and Ficus recemosa; whereas steroids were absent in Limonia acidissima and Phyllanthus emblica. The quantitative analysis also exhibited appreciable amount of phenolic (47 to 85 mg GAE/g sample) and flavonoid contents (12 to 61 mg RE/g sample). Thus the study confirmes that wild edible fruits investigated are a promising source of essential nutrients such as P, K, Ca, Zn, Mg and Fe. Phytochemical study also confirmed the presence of the adequate quantities of secondary metabolites of medicinal importance thus exemplifies therapeutic values.