Syzygium Cumini L. Seed A Potent Source of Fiber, Protein and Natural Antioxidants

Abstract

Syzygium cumini L. seeds have been documented in traditional
medicine in Pakistan. The current research was aimed to assess the physicochemical
characteristics, polyphenols and antioxidants of S. cumini seed. The physical
characteristics such as the color of S. cumini seed were white to pink, the shapes
resembled to oblong and coarse texture. The length, width and weight of fresh S.
cumini seed were found to be (18.20±0.81mm, 11.05±0.41mm and 1.80±0.16g),
respectively while the color of dried S. cumini seeds were light brown to brown,
rhombus in shape with loutish texture. The average length, width and weight of dried
S. cumini seeds were 16.47±0.45; 10.14±0.25 mm and 0.75±0.12 g respectively. S.
cumini seeds powder were evaluated for their chemical composition e.g.
carbohydrate, protein, fat, crude fiber, moisture content and ash (77.27±2.50,
3.62±0.30, 6.25±0.55, 10.30±1.20 and 1.55±0.11 g/100g), respectively. Quantitative
analysis of total phenolic content was performed it was found that the methanolic and
water extract had 52±1.65 and 40±1.25 mg GAE/g content. Free radical scavenging
activity was also evaluated to estimate the antioxidant property of extract. Among
tested extracts maximum % inhibition 96.61±1.90% was found in methanol extract
and 69.30±1.56% in water extract, while BHT has % inhibition 50.70±1.32% at
concentration 100 μg/ml. Similarly in reducing power activity assay the maximum
absorbance 1.4704±0.05 was shown by methanol extract and 1.2075±0.03 in water
extract of S. cumini seed powder respectively which was compared with BHT
(0.9207±0.02). Therefore, it was concluded that these Syzygium Cumini L. seeds
traditional medicinal plants provide a good source of nutrients, namely protein, fiber
and natural antioxidants.