Phytochemicals, mineral contents and antioxidant property of wild edible fruits of Sikkim Himalaya

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate four wild edible fruits of Sikkim Himalaya viz., Baccaurea sapida, Diploknema butyracea, Machilus edulis and Spondias axillaris for their mineral content, phytochemicals (ascorbic acid, β-carotene, flavonoids, lycopene and total phenolic contents) and antioxidant property. The total phenolic and lycopene contents were found maximum in S. axillaris subsequently in M. edulis, D. butyraceae and B. sapida. S. axillaris also showed the highest antioxidant activities and contains significantly higher concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and iron. The amount of ascorbic acid was observed highest in D. butyracea, followed by S. axillaris, B. sapida and M. edulis, whereas β-carotene was found to be highest in M. edulis. Results reinforce the promotion of these underutilized wild edible fruits, especially, S. axillaris and M. edulis as natural sources of phytochemicals, minerals and antioxidant compounds for food and pharmaceutical industries.