Document Type : Original
Authors
1 Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Box 24, Navrongo. UER
2 Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences
Abstract
Vitex doniana produces a commonly consumed fruit in many places where the tree grows. This wild fruit could contribute to nutrition and food security. Therefore, nutrients and phyto constituents of aqueous extract of the fruit were investigated to evaluate its benefit to consumers. Samples of the fruits were collected from Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana for laboratory analyses. Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, zinc and manganese, as well as vitamins A, C, and Beta carotene; crude fat, carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, ash, and energy contents were determined in the pulp. Oven determination of moisture content, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy determination of minerals were carried out. The other parameters were analysed using other appropriate standard methods. The study found that the fruit pulp contains flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids and saponins, as well as vitamins A, C, and β-carotene. The proximate compositions were 19.045% of moisture, 31.597% fat, 4.056% crude fiber, 0.698% crude protein, 4.234% ash, 36.610% carbohydrate, with a total energy of 448.283 kcal/100g. The pulp also had high levels of potassium (1422 mg/100g), calcium (350 mg/100g), magnesium (132 mg/100g) among others, and also trace levels of manganese (0.943 mg/100g), zinc (2.770 mg/100g). Copper was undetected. The fruit pulp of Vitex doniana has vital nutrients and vitamins that can complement other sources of nutrients, and contribute to food security and good health. It has potential for making valuable commercial juice. Comprehensive studies of wild fruits are recommended to generate policy on the fruits.
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