Screening and Quantitation of Phytochemicals and Nutritional Components of the Fruit and Bark of Helicteres Isora
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Date
2010
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Abstract
Helicteres isora is a medium sized tree abundantly found in the hills and forests, well known for its use in
traditional medicine. The fruit and hark are said to possess several medicinal values. Hence the present
study was designed to screen and quantify selected phytochemicals (polyphenols, tannins, total carotenoids,
flavonoids) and proximate principles (carbohydrates, protein, fibre, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus
and iron). Results indicate that the fruit contained more amounts of polyphenols (317.7 mg/100g), ascorbic
acid (80.0 mg / 100g) and carotenoids (1.7 mg / 100g) than the bark. The bark contained more amounts of
tannins (205.1mg / 100g), flavonoids (42.0 mg / 100 g), o-tocopherol (44.0 mg / 100g) and reduced
glutathione (184.6 mg / 100g) when compared to the fruit. Among the nutrients, the fruit contained more
phosphorus (103.6 mg / 100g) and the bark contained appreciable quantities of total carbohydrates (41.8
mg / 100g), calcium (526.7 mg / 100g) and iron (35.2 mg / 100g) than the fruit. Appreciable quantities of
the phytochemicals and nutraceuticals may attribute to the medicinal and nutritive values of Helicteres
isora.