Studies on analysis of minerals, phytochemicals, proximate composition, and in vitro biological activities of methanolic extracts from the fruits of Cordia dichotoma Forst and Cordia myxa L.

Abstract

Plants have been the primary source of sustenance, medicinal remedies, and refuge for humans throughout history. Wild edible fruits, in particular, have played a significant role in shaping people's diets due to their nutritional value. This research aimed to investigate the mineral content, antioxidant properties, chemical composition, and basic characteristics of selected wild edible fruits from Dera Ismail Khan, specifically Cordia myxa and Cordia dichotoma. The chosen wild edible fruits were utilized to determine their inorganic content through spectroscopy, assess their antioxidant potential using the DPPH assay, and analyze their proximate components such as crude fats via the soxhlet extraction method, proteins using the Kjeldahl technique, and ash content through muffle burning. Standard AOAC techniques were employed to ensure accurate measurements. The results of the proximate analysis revealed that C. dichotoma had a carbohydrate content of 88.35%, while C. myxa had 53.79%. Furthermore, the study found that the copper concentrations in C. myxa and C. dichotoma were 525.00 mg/kg and 477.70 mg/kg of dry weight, respectively. Notably, the highest levels of total phenols and their derivatives were detected in C. myxa (33.41 mg GAE/g) and C. dichotoma (19.59 mg GAE/g), with C. myxa exhibiting significant antioxidant activity (IC50 46.75 g/mL). Additionally, both fruits displayed a total flavonoid content of 0.463 mg QE/g. Antibacterial activity was performed by microdilution method of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) whereas, Cordia myxa (L.) showed greatest activity of inhibition against Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Cordia dichotma inhibited Klebsiella pneumonia effectively. Cordia dichotma proved to be the good anti-diabetic while Cordia myxa proved itself for better anti-inflammatory activity in defined laboratory environment, both activities were confirmed by performing enzyme inhibition assays. With high quantities of macronutrients, trace elements, antioxidants, and possible health advantages, these neglected food sources become more important in both conventional and contemporary diets.

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