Determination of nutrient composition and toxicity of baccaurea angulata

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of physicochemical and antioxidant characteristics of Baccaurea angulata fruit juice and to determine an acceptable dose to be consumed. Size of B. angulata fruits was measured and separated into whole fruit, berry and skin portions. Samples were blended, filtered and freeze-dried. Lyophilized juice was analyzed for nutrient and chemical compositions, with antioxidant capacity quantifications. Results showed freeze-dried skin (FDS) had the highest moisture (21.04 %) and ash (10.04%) content, protein (2.12%), total fat (2.09%), and water activity (0.467 aw), compared to freeze-dried whole fruit (FDWF) and freeze-dried berry (FDB). FDWF had the highest carbohydrate (74.12%) and total dietary fibre (6.3 %) content while FDB had highest content of crude fibre (0.36%) and gross energy (304.09kcal/100 g) as compared to other samples. Meanwhile, FDS showed highest value in diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay (102.66mg AA/100 g) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay (847.46mg TE/100 g) values. Toxicity study on normal rats was carried out using FDWF sample. Animals in both acute and sub-chronic studies demonstrated no significant changes in general behaviour, growth, and relative organ weights. A significant increment of red blood cells (8.93x106/μL) was observed in low dose female group with decrease of white blood cells (5.67x103/μL) and lymphocyte (4.33x103/μL). In liver function test, total protein and alkaline phosphatase were markedly increased in male treated group (300 mg/kg), 36.50g/Land 47.90U/L, respectively. The low dose female group also showed decrement in same parameters, 63.70g/Land 73.50U/L. However, gross and microscopic appearance of the organs showed no significant pathological changes. There was no evidence of any tissue injury. In acute study, lethal dose (LD50) for FDWF was determined to be >5,000 mg/kg. Therefore, the no-observable adverse effect level for B. angulata was 1,200 mg/kg administered orally for 13 weeks. In conclusion, B. angulata whole fruit juice has the potential to be utilized for preparation of a health drink as it is safe and offers opportunity to be developed for nutraceutical and functional fruit product.