Sugar Profiling and Antinutrient Analysis in Four Unexplored Wild Edible Fruits of Odisha

Abstract

The availability of wild edible fruits (WEFs) is crucial for fulfilling the nutritional needs of Odisha’s tribes. This important study assessed the levels of antinutrients, specifically saponins, tannins, oxalates, and phytates in four key WEF species: Flacourtia jangomas, Grewia asiatica, Syzygium jambos, and Pithecellobium dulce. Additionally, it analyzed the sugar profiles, including total sugars, reducing sugars, and non-reducing sugars. Fruits were sourced from two distinct agroclimatic zones in Odisha. The North Central Plateau (NCP) and the East and South Eastern Coastal Plain (ESECP). These fresh fruits underwent rigorous spectral analysis using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer to accurately determine their sugar profiles and antinutrient levels. Notably, Pithecellobium dulce displayed the lowest concentrations of total sugar (3.52 ± 0.01%) and non-reducing sugar (1.29 ± 1.54%), making it a potentially excellent choice for individuals managing diabetes. Conversely, Syzygium jambos exhibited the highest amounts of total sugar (13.08 ± 0.0041%) and reducing sugar (8.27 ± 1.20%), demonstrating its rich sweetness. Moreover, Grewia asiatica showed low levels of tannins (0.03 ± 0.0014 TAE g/g), saponins (0.04 ± 0.0088 g/g), and oxalates (6.16 ± 0.038 mg/g) from the NCP region. In contrast, Flacourtia jangomas from the ESECP region presented the greatest oxalate concentration (11.24 ± 0.03 mg/g). Furthermore, Syzygium jambos had the highest levels of phytates (8.31 ± 0.051 mg/g) and tannins (0.12 ± 0.003 TAE g/g), with Grewia asiatica following closely behind (6.58 ± 0.02 mg/g). These findings highlight the significant influence of geographic areas on the sugar profiles and antinutrient compositions of these fruits. Raising awareness about the nutritional benefits of these wild fruits can encourage healthier eating habits, benefiting the tribes of Odisha and promoting overall well-being.