Antioxidant properties and proximate analysis of selected underutilized fruits in Sri Lanka

The research investigated on the phytochemical compositions, proximate analysis, and antioxidant properties of ten selected underutilized fruits in Sri Lanka. Despite their potential health benefits, these fruits are often overlooked in favor of more commonly consumed varieties. Hence, this research aims to highlight the nutritional and therapeutic value of these fruits, encouraging their incorporation into the diet and promoting conservation of biodiversity. The presence of phytochemicals; polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and saponins in different extracts of fruits was qualitatively tested using methanol, water and acetone as solvents. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the fruit extracts was assessed using DPPH assay, ABTS assay and FRAP assay. The vitamin C, fat, protein, carbohydrate, moisture and ash contents of the fruits were also analyzed. The total phenolic contents, flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities of the fruit extracts were different depending upon the type of the solvent used for extraction. Acetone was the most efficient solvent for the extraction of total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidants of the selected fruits. The highest total phenolic content, flavonoid content and ascorbic acid content were recorded from P. pussilla and S. caryophyllatum. These findings conclude the potential of the 10 selected underutilized fruits and suggest to enhance and promote their commercial value in utilization with better biodiversity conservation strategies.