Preliminary evaluation of nutraceutical and therapeutic potential of raw Spondias pinnata K., an exotic fruit of India

The underutilized, edible green raw (whole) fruits of amra, Spondias pinnata K. (Anacardiaceae family) from the eastern region of India were investigated for their nutraceutical and therapeutic potential. A thorough nutritional characterization of this fruit demonstrated it as a source of energy (348 kcal/100 g DM), phenolic compounds, natural antioxidants and minerals. It is also a moderate source of ascorbic acid, malic acid, calcium, phosphorus and other nutrients. The phytochemical screening revealed 5.12 ± 0.32 mg 100 g− 1 DM of alkaloids followed by saponins and tannins. All assays were carried out in three different solvent extracts of the fruit. Total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents were obtained as 210 ± 1.89 mg GAE, 28.0 ± 0.91 mg CE and 9.97 ± 0.72 mg RE respectively in 100 mg mix solvent extract (MSE). Antioxidant activity of different extracts (as DPPH scavenging) ranged from 0.73 to 0.59 mg ml− 1 as IC50 value, ABTS with a trolox equivalent antioxidant concentration (TEAC) value as 0.68 to 0.83 and FRAP 5.97 to 7.93 mg TE 100 mg− 1 extract. LC- MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, p-coumaric acid, 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid, quercetin, catechin, myrecetin and rutin. The MSE showed the highest antimicrobial activity (against Listeria monocytogenes (MIC 1.8 mg ml− 1)) and α-amylase inhibition capacity (as IC50: 29.3 mg ml− 1 extract). GC/MS screening showed the presence of vitamin E, furfural, phytosterol, campesterol and fatty acids. Analysis of volatile flavor showed isopropyl myristinate as a major compound followed by the other monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The current study explains the nutritional as well as medicinal utility of the fruit which is a rich source of minerals and antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids.