Physicochemical and phytochemical characterization of sapuche fruits (Randia laevigata Standl.)

Abstract

The fruit of Randia laevigata Standl., is consumed by inhabitants of the Rio Santiago ravine in western Mexico. Various species of the genus Randia, are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of different diseases, however there is little information for this type of plants. Hence, it was thought to develop the present work to know the phytochemical compounds and physicochemical composition in the fruits of Randia laevigata Standl. Ripe fruits were lyophilized to carry out the physicochemical analyzes: humidity, ash, protein, ether extract, crude fiber, pH and degrees Brix (° Bx). For phytochemical screening extracts were obtained with solvents of different polarities: hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and the most important families in the Sapuche were determined: phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, quinones and saponins. The proximal chemical composition highlights protein (3.31%), nitrogen-free extract (35.75%), humidity (57%), ash (3%), ethereal extract (0.94%). The abundant secondary metabolites were saponins, triterpenes, steroids and alkaloids, so it is suggested to continue the investigation toxicologically; In the nutritional part, its content in protein and nitrogen-free extract stood out.

Key words: secondary metabolites, proximal composition, natural products, phytochemistry