Phytochemical profiling and bioactive potential of bael gum using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS: a novel nutraceutical source

Suchisree Jha ¹, Ashok Yadav ², Saran Kumar Gupta ³

⁰Indofil Industry Ltd., Thane, Maharashtra, India.

Frontiers in Nutrition +

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January 2, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Bael gum, derived from the climate-smart Aegle marmelos tree, is rich in polysaccharides and proteins. This study confirms its significant antioxidant properties and diverse bioactive compounds, highlighting its potential for various industries.

Area Of Science

Nutritional Science
Phytochemistry
Agroforestry

Background

Plant gums possess valuable nutraceutical and medicinal properties.
Aegle marmelos (bael) is a hardy, drought-tolerant crop with diverse applications.
Bael gum's phytochemical and nutraceutical profile requires in-depth characterization.

Purpose Of The Study

To conduct a comprehensive phytochemical and nutraceutical analysis of bael gum.
To evaluate macroscopic, physical, and antioxidant properties of bael gum.
To identify bioactive compounds in bael gum using advanced analytical techniques.

Main Methods

Phytochemical profiling including total polysaccharides, protein, nitrogen, and amino acids.
Antioxidant activity assessment using DPPH, metal chelating, and ABTS assays.
Identification of bioactive compounds via Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS).

Main Results

Bael gum contains high levels of total polysaccharides (40.94%), protein (16.2%), and amino acids (16.14%).
Significant antioxidant activity was observed with low IC50 values in DPPH, metal chelation, and ABTS assays.
Total phenol content was measured at 90 ± 1 μg/g FWT.

Conclusions

Bael gum is a rich source of bioactive compounds with substantial therapeutic potential.
Its properties support applications in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Further research into bioactive constituents and their mechanisms is recommended for enhanced utilization.

Keywords:

antidiabetic antioxidant bael ethnomedical gum nutraceutical