Abstract

Screening and Quantitation of Phytochemicals and Nutritional Components of the Fruit and Bark of Helicteres Isora
Hygeia J. D. Med. Vol.2 (1) 2010, 57-62

Type of Article
Research Article

Authors
Gayathri P¹, ^*Gayathri Devi S², Sivagami Srinivasan³, Saroja S⁴

Affiliation
1.  Department of Biochemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003
 2, 3, 4. Department of Biochemistry, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore-641043

Received Date
12/08/2009

Publication Date
10/12/2009

Abstract

Helicteres isora is a medium sized tree abundantly found in the hills and forests, well known for its use in traditional medicine.  The fruit and bark are said to possess several medicinal values. Hence the present study was designed to screen and quantify selected phytochemicals (polyphenols, tannins, total carotenoids, flavonoids) and proximate principles (carbohydrates, protein, fibre, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron).  Results indicate that the fruit contained more amounts of polyphenols (317.7 mg/100g), ascorbic acid (80.0 mg / 100g) and carotenoids (1.7 mg / 100g) than the bark. The bark contained more amounts of tannins (205.1mg / 100g), flavonoids (42.0 mg / 100 g), α-tocopherol (44.0 mg / 100g) and reduced glutathione (184.6 mg / 100g) when compared to the fruit. Among the nutrients, the fruit contained more phosphorus (103.6 mg / 100g) and the bark contained appreciable quantities of total carbohydrates (41.8 mg / 100g), calcium (526.7 mg / 100g) and iron (35.2 mg / 100g) than the fruit. Appreciable quantities of the phytochemicals and nutraceuticals may attribute to the medicinal and nutritive values of Helicteres isora.