Physico-chemical and nutritional evaluation of indigenous wild fruit <i>Kasmal</i>, <i>Berberis lycium</i> Royle

Abstract

<i>Kasmal</i>, <i>Berberis lycium</i> Royle is an indigenous fruit plant growing wild in the Himalayan region and has great economic and medicinal potential. It has been reported that these have been used for the treatment of several human diseases like liver and abdominal disorders, cough and skin diseases and as analgesic. The fruits are known to be hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antipyretic and anticoagulant. Evaluation of nutritional status of the fruit was required for its popularization. The fruits were collected and analyzed for various physical, chemical, nutritional, anti-nutritional and organoleptic qualities. It was observed that <i>kasmal</i> fruits are thin and oblong small sized berries, light in weight with multiple seeds. The fruits contained 83.29% moisture content whereas protein, fat, ash and fibre contents are low. The fruits are sour in taste and contain low sugar, total carbohydrates, energy and dietary fibre. The content of vitamin C (10.83 mg/100g) and <img src='/image/spc_char/beta.gif' border=0> carotene (343.0 <img src='/image/spc_char/micro.gif' border=0>g/100 g) were low while, anthocyanins (82.47 mg/100 ml) are high in fruits. The mineral content and anti-nutritional components (phytic acid and phytate phosphorus) are low whereas oxalates were absent. Slightly higher quantity of tannin was observed, which might lead to astringent taste in fruits. The organoleptic evaluation indicated appreciation of colour of the fruits, while lower scores were obtained for texture, taste and overall acceptability.