Author(s):

Nazia Khatoon, Rajinder K. Gupta, Yogesh K. Tyagi

Abstract: The seeds of an underutilized exotic fruit Chironji, Buchanania lanzan (Anacardiaceae) were investigated for their nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant properties to understand its nutraceutical potential. The nutritional analysis showed good protein content (43.24 %), moderate carbohydrate content (12.96 %), and high amount of crude fiber (18.50 %), fat (38 %) and also high calorie value (229.99kCal). ICP-OES analysis has shown these edible seeds contain Iron (4.8mg/100g), Phosphorous (593mg/100g), Magnesium (275mg/100g) and Calcium (70mg/100g) in considerable amount and Manganese, Copper, Barium, Aluminium and Boron in trace amounts. A thorough physiochemical characterization of the seeds demonstrates that it as an active source of phenolics, natural antioxidants and minerals. Total phenolics and flavanoid content in petroleum ether extract (PEE), dichloromethane extract (DCME), methanolic extract (ME) and ethanol and water extract (EWE) were 5.78, 6.73, 10.05 and 13.42 µg GAE mg-1 and 13.74, 7.08, 5.21 and 11.41 µg CE mg-1 respectively. Antioxidant activities were carried out using FRAP assay and the results reveal that EWE and ME showed the highest antioxidant activity 13.42 and 10.05 µg BHTg-1 respectively. Moreover EWE and ME showed antibacterial activity against S. flexneri and B. cereus strain. Antifungal assay was also carried against three test organisms. GC/MS Screening confirms the presence of considerable amounts of fatty acids, plant sterols and phenolic compounds. The oil of seeds was extracted by cold pressing and analyzed for the fatty acid profile which revealed the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acid such as Linolenic Acid (ω-3) and Linoleic Acid (ω-6) monounsaturated fatty acid such as Oleic Acid (ω-9). The seeds provide opportunities to develop value added products, dietary supplements and phytotherapeutic compounds.

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