Biochemical Evaluation of Nutrient-Complementary Components of Vitex Doniana (Black Plum) Relating to Health and Food Security

Vitex doniana produces a commonly consumed fruit in many places where the tree grows. This wild fruit could contribute to nutrition and food security. Therefore, nutrients and phyto constituents of aqueous extract of the fruit were investigated to evaluate its benefit to consumers. Samples of the fruits were collected from Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana for laboratory analyses. Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, zinc and manganese, as well as vitamins A, C, and Beta carotene; crude fat, carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, ash, and energy contents were determined in the pulp. Oven determination of moisture content, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy determination of minerals were carried out. The other parameters were analysed using other appropriate standard methods. The study found that the fruit pulp contains flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids and saponins, as well as vitamins A, C, and β-carotene. The proximate compositions were ۱۹.۰۴۵% of moisture, ۳۱.۵۹۷% fat, ۴.۰۵۶% crude fiber, ۰.۶۹۸% crude protein, ۴.۲۳۴% ash, ۳۶.۶۱۰% carbohydrate, with a total energy of ۴۴۸.۲۸۳ kcal/۱۰۰g. The pulp also had high levels of potassium (۱۴۲۲ mg/۱۰۰g), calcium (۳۵۰ mg/۱۰۰g), magnesium (۱۳۲ mg/۱۰۰g) among others, and also trace levels of manganese (۰.۹۴۳ mg/۱۰۰g), zinc (۲.۷۷۰ mg/۱۰۰g). Copper was undetected. The fruit pulp of Vitex doniana has vital nutrients and vitamins that can complement other sources of nutrients, and contribute to food security and good health. It has potential for making valuable commercial juice. Comprehensive studies of wild fruits are recommended to generate policy on the fruits.

Keywords:

Vitex Doniana , Fruit Extract , Nutrients , Vitamins , Phytochemicals