Analysis of the Phytochemical Composition of three Selected Fruits: Musa Acuminata, Malus Domestica and Citrus Paradisi

Abstract:

Phytochemicals are gaining interests globally in recent times due to their wide range of medicinal importance. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical contents of fruits; Musa acuminata, Malus domestica and Citrus paradisi. Preliminary screening involved the use of qualitative methods to detect the presence of alkaloids, saponins, steroidal saponins, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, deoxy sugars, reducing sugars. Quantitative estimation of the phytochemicals was done using standard procedures. Qualitative analysis carried out showed that; alkaloids, tannins, phenols, saponins and flavonoids were present in all the three fruits. Highest quantities of alkaloids were obtained in Musa acuminata (70.49 mg/g) and Citrus paradisi (43.19 mg/g). Citrus paradisi (0.45 mg/g) and Musa acuminata (0.42 mg/g) contained more saponins than Malus domestica (0.38 mg/g). Flavonoid was more in Citrus paradisi (10.02 mg/g) and Musa acuminata (6.51 mg/g). Citrus paradisi showed the highest content of phenol (7.11 mg/g) while Musa acuminata and Malus domestica recorded more tannin content of 6.03 mg/g and 2.28 mg/g respectively. Relatively, highest percentage occurrences of phytochemicals were as follows; alkaloids (82.35%), flavonoids (7.61%) and tannins (7.04%) in Musa acuminata, alkaloids (53.44%), phenols (24.52%) and flavonoids (10.85%) in Malus domestica and alkaloids (70.02%), flavonoids (16.25%) and phenols (11.52%) in Citrus paradisi. This study shows that these fruits could be sources for the exploitation of phytochemicals beneficial in food, cosme-ceutical, pharmaceutical and alternative medicine industries.