Nutritional evaluation and antioxidant activity of a lesser - known wild edible fruit Tristemma hirtum P. Beauv.

Abstract

Tristemma hirtum is a lesser known wild edible fruit found in Nigeria. This work aimed at investigating the nutrient composition, antioxidant and acute toxicity of T. hirtum fruit extract using standard methods. The fruit extract was high in carbohydrate and protein. Na and Mg were the most abundant macronutrient while Zn, Cu and Mn could supply approximately 41% of the RDA. Also, the extract was richer in vitamin A than vitamin C.  Phytochemical investigation revealed an abundance of terpenoids, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, with antinutrients far below the lethal dose. The antioxidant assays revealed that, the extract exhibited strong DPPH radical scavenging and Fe2+ chelating activities in in-vitro; as well as a dose-dependent decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) serum levels in in-vivo. LD50 (i.p mice) of the extract showed it was not toxic even at 5000mg/kg. Increased production and consumption of T. hirtum fruit may significantly promote good health due to its rich content of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals as well as contribute to the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress. Keywords: T. hirtum, wild edible fruit, nutrients, phytocompounds, antioxidant activity, toxicity. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-6-08 Publication date:March 31st 202