International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review

Objective: The study was carried out in order to document the phytochemical contents and radical scavenging capacities of different wild fruits consumed in south eastern Nigeria.

Methods: Phytochemical screening and in-vitro antioxidant studies were carried out using standard method.

Result: The results of quantitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, oxalate and cardiac glycosides in varying concentrations. The in vitro antioxidant study showed that African elemi and African velvet tamarind with EC₅₀ 1.68 ± 0.03 and 1.81 ± 0.01 µg/ml respectively scavenged DPPH radical more than other extracts compared to ascorbic acid EC₅₀ 1.25 ± 0.02 while wild mango (EC₅₀ 0.98 ± 0.01 μg/ml), pepper fruits (EC₅₀ 1.75 ± 0.02 μg/ml) and date fruit (EC₅₀ 1.88 ± 0.01 μg/ml) scavenged hydroxyl radical more than other extracts used in this study. All the extract showed a concentration dependency in reducing ferric iron to ferrous ion, also date fruit (0.11 ± 0.00 μg/ml) had more of the total antioxidant compounds in this study compared to ascorbic acid (0.22 ± 0.01μg/ml).

Conclusion: The high quantity of phytochemicals and radical scavenging capacity of the wild fruits shows their importance in nutrition; therefore wild fruits should be included in our daily diet to improve the quality and nutritional values of food.