Abstract :
Fruit samples of Solanum trilobatum (L.), Mukia maderaspatana (Linn) M.Roem, Murraya koengii (L.)Spreng,
Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.)Benth were analyzed with view to evaluating their level of nutrients, minerals,
vitamins and anti nutrients. The nutrients compositions of the fruits showed that the amount of carbohydrate
ranged between 3.00 and 35.00 g/100g; Protein, 1.25 – 7.23g/100g; Moisture, 71.56 – 81.6 %; ash, 12.5 -19 %;
fiber, 3.3 -7.41 g/100g. Concentration of sodium, phosphorous, calcium and iron were highest in M. maderaspatana
fruits; S.trilobatum fruits contain highest amount of magnesium while calcium content was highest in Murraya
koengii. Highest amount of potassium were present in P.dulce fruits. Highest amount of vitamin B1 and vitamin
B2 were present in Pithecellobium dulce fruits. Vitamin C was ranged between 0.01 – 0.63mg/100g. The results of
anti nutrients factor showed that the phenol content ranged between 0.35 – 1.3 g/100g.Tannins ranged from 0.27 -
1.20 g/100g. The fruits with low level of anti nutrients, high elemental composition, protein, carbohydrates and
vitamins could serve as supplementary sources of essential nutrient to man and livestock. The selected lesser know
edible fruits are recommended for commercial-scale production for the pharmaceutical industry to overcome
medicinal crises as they are potential medicinal sources and its contain moderate nutrient profiles.
Keywords: Lesser known edible fruits, nutrients, minerals, vitamins, anti nutrients.
Keyword :
Lesser known edible fruits, nutrients, minerals, vitamins, anti nutrients.