Phytochemical Evaluation and Antioxidant Properties of Diospyros Melanoxylon (Roxb) and Buchanania Lanzan (Spreng) Fruits

Abstract

The fruits of Buchanania Lanzan (Spreng.) from the Anacardiaceae family and Diospyros Melanoxylon (Roxb.) from the Ebanaceae family are recognized for their significant nutritional and therapeutic benefits. These fruits are extensively cultivated and are utilized by tribal communities, including pregnant women, as both nutritional and food supplements. This usage contributes to their enhanced immunity compared to individuals in rural and urban settings. The current study encompasses the identification and phytochemical screening of the fruit extracts, along with an assessment of their antioxidant properties. Both primary and secondary metabolites were identified, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, coumarins, saponins, and triterpenoids. These findings are valuable for documenting the chemical composition and nutritional significance of these fruits, as well as their potential role in human health care. Fruits containing radical scavengers such as flavones, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, and triterpenoid compounds are recognized for their therapeutic properties. Quercetin, a type of flavonoid, demonstrates antioxidant properties that counteract Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) produced during normal oxygen metabolism or as a result of external damage, such as Superoxide Anions (O2), Hydroxyl Radicals (OH-), and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2).