Antioxidant properties of wild Mangifera species in Malaysia.
Mirfat A. H. S., Razali M., Salma I.
Author Affiliation: Strategic Resource Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
: 651-659
Abstract : Many wild fruit species found in Malaysia are not well known and are underutilised. Information on their nutritional values and health benefits is critical in promoting these fruits. Therefore, this study investigated the antioxidant properties of seven species of wild Mangifera species (M. caesia, M. foetida, M. laurina, M. odorata, M. pajang, M. pentandra and M. longipetiolata) in Malaysia and the results were compared to a commercial mango: Mangifera indica. From the study, M. caesia was found to be the most potential source of antioxidant as evidenced by its potent scavenging activity (92.1%), and ferric reducing activity (0.7 mM). On the other hand, M. pajang showed the highest total phenolic (7.1 g GAE/100 g) and ascorbic acid content (0.4 g/100 g). These antioxidant properties scavenge free radicals and help reduce the harmful effects of oxidative damage which contribute to health promotion and disease prevention. On the basis of the results obtained, some of these wild fruits showed potential in providing health benefits.