Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Wild Fruits from Malawi

The purpose of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity 17 edible wild fruits that are widely distributed consumed in Malawi for pharmacological value exploration. Qualitative analysis, total phenolic content, flavonoid ferric reducing power (FRAP), (TAA), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH) were performed aqueous methanolic fruit extracts. results showed extracts contained alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins, compounds, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, quinones. Piliostigma thonningii had highest content ( 1675.33 ± 12.34 mg GAEg-1 FW) extracts, Annona senegalensis gave levels id="M2"> 649.67 2.08 RE g-1 activities (FRAP, TAA, DPPH) varied widely, variations significant id="M3"> P < 0.05 ). Thespesia garckeana Mangifera indica exhibited a high ability chelate metal cations respectively. DPPH higher ranged from 11.07% 99.61%. This provides evidence studied have potential as value-added products various treatments oxidative stress-associated ailments they contain more constituents. We recommend further studies determine if presence particular class phytochemicals would translate into bioactivity capability these fruits.