Nutritional and Phytochemical Characterization of Dacryodes edulis (African Pear) Ethanol Leaf Extract

Abstract

Dacryodes edulis, a member of Burseraceae generally common for its fruit has been widely studied for its nutritional composition and phytochemical constituents responsible for its pharmacological benefits as well as its nutritional and ethnomedicinal uses. The leaves have been underutilized and understudied. Therefore, the aim of this research is to find out and characterize the bioactive constituents responsible for nutritional and medicinal properties of Dacryodes edulis leaf. Thus, the research specifically intends to assess and characterize the phytochemical constituents, proximate, fatty acid, amino acid, vitamin and mineral compositions, and in vitro antioxidant scavenging effects of ethanol leaf extract of Dacryodes edulis. Fresh D. edulis leaf were harvested and prepared according to standard procedures. Standard AOAC methods, chemical tests and standard assays were used for the nutritional and in vitro antioxidant determination. The finding revealed that Dacryodes edulis ethanol leaf extract contains high percentage of carbohydrate (52.66%), crude fibre (19.23%) and energy (1,861 kj); high amount of C18_1c (68.28 ppm), valine (11.81ppm), alanine (6.16 ppm), vitamin A (75.92 mg/kg), vitamin D (50.87 mg/kg), sodium (9.41 ppm), calcium (8.17 ppm) and potassium (8.66ppm). The extract is rich in flavonoids, saponins, phenols and cardiac glycosides and also showed significant DPPH, FRAP and nitric oxide scavenging potential. These findings highlight the nutritional significance and nutraceutical benefits of Dacryodes edulis extract as a potential source of nutrients, good exogeneous antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in combating malnutrition, inflammatory diseases, as well as promoting general health and well-being. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of Dacryodes edulis to contribute to global efforts towards sustainable development and improved human health.