Comparative study of the nutritional potential of a wild fruit (Saba senegalensis) from Côte d'Ivoire with pineapple, papaya and banana

Abstract

Saba senegalensis fruit is traditionally collected and sold on the Ivorian markets, although it is considered as an underutilized species in favour of commercial fruits. The present study aimed at providing data on the nutritional value of Saba senegalensis fruit in comparison with widely valued fruits. Saba senegalensis pulp as well as dessert banana, papaya and pineapple pulp were used as study material. After an evaluation of the biochemical parameters, a principal component analysis (PCA) was used to highlight the nutritional potential of the different fruits. The results showed that the physicochemical parameters varied from one fruit to another. The Saba senegalensis fruit stood out from the other three fruits by its high antioxidant activity (IC50 = 39.80 ± 0.45 mg/ml), its high concentration of polyphenols (600.94 ± 5.27 mg EqA. G / 100 g), flavonoids (245.09 ± 19.10 mg EqA.G / 100 g), vitamin A (1.96 ± 0.03 mg/100 g), Ca (29.19 ± 0.17) and Fe (2.51 ± 0.06 mg/100 g). These nutritional constituents are far superior in Saba senegalensis pulp to those of banana, papaya and pineapple. Thus, its nutritional potential could be a major asset for its consumption and valorisation.