Phytochemical constituents, vitamin composition and in vitro antioxidant potential of Dialium guineense fruit pulp
Medicinal herbs have been extensively utilized in the remediation of various health conditions. Dialium guineense fruit pulp, also well known as Velvet Tamarind is widely consumed in West Africa for its dietary and medicinal properties. The study aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, vitamin content and the in vitro antioxidant effect of Dialium guineense fruit pulp (DGFP). The phytochemical constituents, vitamins (C, E, B1-12) composition, and in vitro antioxidant activity were examined utilizing standardized analytical methods. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the fruit pulp of Dialium guineense was also carried out; the result indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, phenols, steroids, and cardiac glycosides in varying concentrations. The vitamin composition revealed that vitamin C was higher than other vitamins in the fruit pulp. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and nitric oxide scavenging assay showed high radical scavenging activity while the FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay revealed significant reducing power. This indicates that Dialium guineense fruit pulp has potential health benefits.