Assessment of the Nutritional Value of Southern African Edible Wild Fruit (Scolopia mundii)

Abstract

Introduction: In many rural communities across Southern Africa, wild edible fruits play a critical role in supplementing diets and enhancing food and nutrition security. Despite their potential, several indigenous species remain underutilised and undervalued in formal nutrition programmes. Scolopia mundii (S. mundii), is one such wild fruit widely consumed in rural communities in Lesotho where it grows, however, very little is known about its nutritional value. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the nutrient and phytochemical composition S. mundii fruits so as to assess their potential as a supplementary nutritional source that could alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and food insecurity, which are prevalent among children in rural communities in Lesotho. Methodology: Fresh ripe fruits of S. mundii were collected and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, proximate nutritional analysis, mineral profiling, and selected anti-nutrient analysis. Standard methods were used for nutrients content (e.g., AOAC for proximate composition), phytochemical quantification (e.g., Harborne, Folin-Ciocalteu), and mineral analysis using ICP-AES Results and Discussion: The fruits were found to contain significant amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients. Some notable values included vitamin C (1.21 ± 0.43 g/100g), carbohydrates (3.14 ± 0.30 g/100g), protein (2.10 ± 0.02 g/100g), dietary fibre (3.54 ± 0.25 g/100g), and fat (0.50 ± 0.02 g/100g). The mineral analysis revealed high levels of essential elements; calcium (4.295 mg/100g), magnesium (6.042 mg/100g), and manganese (2.228 mg/100g). Phytochemicals such as phenolics (92.36 ± 5.42 mg/kg), saponins (178.13 ± 4.52  mg/kg), tannins (58.60 ± 8.21 mg/kg), and alkaloids (17.70 ± 0.15 mg/kg were present. Some anti-nutritional components, such as oxalates (138.90 ± 15.03 mg/kg) and phytates (5.64 ± 0.74 mg/kg) were also detected, but were within acceptable levels. Conclusion: S. mundii fruits contain a range of essential nutrients and phytochemicals, which make them potentially valuable nutritional resource. These fruits could add to dietary diversity and act as a food security coping strategy in poor rural communities of the nation. The promotion of their consumption may also help address the negative perceptions about wild foods and improve health outcomes among poor rural populations.