Phytochemical and Functional Characterization of Different Parts of the Garcinia xanthochymus Fruit

Abstract

The fruit of Garcinia xanthochymus is consumed traditionally and is known to possess health-promoting effects. However, studies involving the characterization of phytochemicals of different parts of the fruit, and their biological activity were limited and hence warranted a comprehensive study. The proximate analyses reveal that fruit peel was rich in crude fiber. The levels of essential minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, carotenoids, organic acids, and polyphenols were significantly higher in the peel, followed by the rind, seed, and pulp. The in vitro antioxidant assays revealed that the polyphenolic extract of the peel possesses a high antioxidant effect compared to the extracts from other parts of the G. xanthochymus fruit. Furthermore, the in vitro assays reveal the antidiabetic potential of the methanol extract. This is the first comprehensive report involving the characterization and biological properties of different parts of the G. xanthochymus fruit. Hence, our study implicates the potential use of this fruit for the development of functional foods for diabetes.