A comprehensive analysis of nutritional, phytochemical, and antioxidant benefits of an underutilized fruit...

Wild edible plants significantly contribute to the diets and nutrition of rural communities in many countries. Tetrastigma spp are well-known for their ethno medicinal, nutritional and culinary importance in the rural communities. It is important to put it under scientific investigation to provide deep understanding on the biochemical composition to reveal its importance in commercializing the fruits, open up new economic opportunities for smallholder farmers and rural communities by diversifying income sources and reducing reliance on a few major crops and also influence food crisis under circumstances. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the nutritional properties, mineral content, and antioxidant activities of the pericarp of Tetrastigma leucostaphylum (Dennst.) Alston, an underutilized plant species. Pericarp analysis revealed high moisture content of 80.71%, with 0.096% fat, 1.20% protein, 12.50% carbohydrate, 1.15% ash, and 3.85% of fiber. Mineral analysis showed that pericarp contain significant amounts of essential minerals, among major elements, calcium being highest (42.53 mg/g) DW, nitrogen (10.03 mg/g DW), 9.03 mg/g DW of magnesium, and phosphorous (0.05 mg/g DW). Additionally, microelement iron found to be 1.01 µg/g DW. The study quantified anti-nutritional factors like phytate, and oxalate, 0.88 mg/g FW and 9.45 mg/g FW respectively. Phytochemical extraction was done using polar solvents revealing methanol as most effective solvent tested parameters. The methanol extract contains 7.12 mg GAE/g DW of total phenolics, 6.78 mg QE/g DW of flavonoids, and 0.78 mg BE/g DW of alkaloids. Among the antioxidant assays, DPPH assay showed highest activity in methanolic extract, with 17.13 mg AAE/g DW, followed by total antioxidant capacity at 13.55 mg AAE/g DW and FRAP at 7.56 mg AAE/g DW. In conclusion, the pericarp of Tetrastigma leucostaphylum fruit is rich in nutrients, essential minerals, and antioxidants, highlighting their potential as valuable food supplements.