Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition

Background: The aim of the present study was to analyze the nutritional makeup, proximate analysis, phytochemical components, and in-vitro antioxidant activities of black jamun flesh and seed (fruit), with the goal of emphasizing their potential as alternative food sources.

Methods: Phytochemical screening was carried out by quantitative and qualitative phytochemical techniques, following a proximate parameters determination by quantitative estimation. The scavenging effect of the black jamun flesh and seed (fruit) was assessed on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), feric reducing potential, nitric oxide scavenging radical.

Results: Quantitative phytochemical screening revealed cardiac glycosides, tannins, total phenol, saponins, and flavonoids.  The proximate analysis of seed and flesh revealed that the seed had higher presents percentage moisture contents, protein, crude fat, ash contents, crude fibre and carbohydrate than the flesh. In terms of mineral nutrients, seed had higher levels of calcium but the flesh had higher level of iron, sodium, potassium, zinc and copper. When taking phytochemicals into account, it was shown that seed contained higher levels of antioxidants and flavonoids compounds than the flesh did.

Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that the black jamun is an important source of nutrition and different phytochemicals. Thus, the ethnobotanical belief in the beneficial impact of black jamun seed and flesh may be supported, and it will act both as a potent food and medicinal source.