Nutritional and Biofunctional properties of West Indian Cherry (Malpighia punicifolia L.).

Anand, Prakash (2012) Nutritional and Biofunctional properties of West Indian Cherry (Malpighia punicifolia L.). [Student Project Report] (Submitted)

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Abstract

West Indian Cherry (Malpighia punicifolia L), is a lesser known, underutilized fruit in India. It is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C and is also a good source of other biofunctional compounds like phenolic acids, carotenoids and anthocyanins. It is not a cultivated crop in India as the health benefits of the fruit is yet to be documented scientifically. The present investigation was taken up with the aim of studying the different phytonutrients present in this fruit and to evaluate their biofunctional properties, with special reference to the cultivar grown under Indian agro climatic conditions and also to develop few value added products. Physico-chemical and phytonutrient constituents of the fruits were estimated using standard procedures. Antioxidant activity of the phytonutrients like ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic acid and anthocyanins was studied. Also anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of the fruit was evaluated. Changes occurring during different stages of ripening in the fruit were also examined. Moreover, value added products like RTS, Jelly and sauce were prepared from WIC fruit and their quality changes during storage were monitored. West Indian cherry fruits were found be a rich source of vitamin C (2384.80 mg/100g), phenolics in both free and bound form, anthocyanins and carotenoids. It was found that among the phytonutrients studied, phenolic acids had higher antioxidant activity, followed by vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins. The methanolic extract of the fruit showed some anti-inflammatory effect in rats, when administered in medium and lower doses. The products prepared from WIC, stored well at ambient temperature for a period of 30 days. There were no significant changes in the quality parameters during storage. Also, the products were found to be sensorily highly acceptable at the end of the storage period of 30 days. Once the enormous health benefit of the fruit is revealed, the cultivation of this fruit crop can be expanded for the benefit of the society. The benefits of underexploited and underutilized natural resources like the West Indian Cherry has to be scientifically documented which have potential economic significance that are crucial in maintaining subsistence of life style in traditional societies.

Item Type:	Student Project Report
Uncontrolled Keywords:	West Indian Cherry, Malpighia punicifolia, phytonutrients, biofunctional properties, Physico-chemical constituents
Subjects:	600 Technology > 08 Food technology > 16 Nutritive value 600 Technology > 08 Food technology > 24 Fruits
Divisions:	Fruit and Vegetable Technology
Depositing User:	Food Sci. & Technol. Information Services
Date Deposited:	03 Apr 2014 06:32
Last Modified:	03 Apr 2014 06:32
URI:	http://ir.cftri.res.in/id/eprint/11426

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