Phenolic composition, volatile constituents and antioxidant potential of wild edible fruit elaeocarpus tectorius (Lour.) Poir. (elaeocarpaceae)

Abstract

Elaeocarpus tectorius (Lour.) Poir. is a wild edible fruit of Western Ghats in India, belonging to family Elaeocarpaceae. Ethnobotanically, the plant is known to possess multiple health benefits. In the present study, methanol extract of E. tectorius fruit was screened for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using four different assays: total antioxidant capacity, reducing power assay, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Further, HPLC and GC-MS analysis was carried out to investigate the potential phenolic acids and volatile constituents present in the fruits. Results indicated that methanol extract of E. tectorius fruit successfully scavenged various free radicals evaluated in a dose dependent manner. HPLC and GC-MS profiling revealed the presence of six vital phenolic acids and twelve volatile constituents, respectively. Thus, observations of the present study offer a preliminary evidence of nutritive value of the E. tectorius, moreover this fruit can serve as a potential source of antioxidants and can be utilized in food and nutraceutical industries.