Proximate Analysis and Functional Activities of African Pear Fruit (Dacryodes edulis) Grown in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria

Volume: 12 | Issue: 01 | Year 2026 | Subscription
International Journal of Environmental Chemistry
Received Date: 01/30/2026
Acceptance Date: 02/05/2026
Published On: 2026-02-15
First Page: 12
Last Page: 18

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By: Babatunde M. O., Mathew Olaleke Aremu, Jude C. Onwuka, Solomon J. Anzene, and Isaac Jato.

1,4Scholar, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, Lafia, Nigeria
2,3Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, Lafia, Nigeria
5Scholar, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic N’yak Shandam, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Dacryodes edulis (African Pear Fruit) is an indigenous edible fruit that is used for both food and medicine in North Central Nigeria. The nutritional composition and functional properties of Dacryodes edulis were studied using standard analytical techniques. The fruits were analyzed for Physico-chemical characteristics (pH, Titratable acidity and Total insoluble solids), proximate analysis (Crude protein, Ash content, dry matter content), Mineral analysis (Se, Mn) and antioxidant activity (TBARS). The analyzers showed the results of the Pulp and Seed, respectively, as pH (7.12 ± 0.1, 5.92 ± 0.1), Tritatable acidity (0.068% ± 0.01, 0.143% ± 0.02), Total Insoluble Solids (11.68% ± 0.5, 24.92% ± 0.5), Crude protein (6.52% ± 0.4, 5.82% ± 0.4), Ash content (4.62 ± 0.01, 4.35 ± 0.01), Dry matter content (92.82% ± 0.05, 76.15% ± 0.05), Selenium (0.0247 ± 0.03, 0.0109 ± 0.03), Manganese (3.7852 ± 0.01, 1.4751 ± 0.1), TBARS (0.48 ± 0.02, 0.60 ± 0.02). The results revealed that values of Nutritional indicators were higher than the general thresholds for Pulp and Seed. While the non-nutritional values were, however, higher than pH, but lower in Tritatable acidity. The trace elements investigated showed the concentrations at minimum general ranges. Generally, the results of the fruit demonstrate high food application potentials with possible health benefits. This investigation highlights the necessity of conserving these fruits to present the depletion of this valuable resource. The identification of these wild species possessing medicinal properties underscores the significance of conducting further research or the sufficient nutritional and antioxidant activity of these wild fruits provide healthy food sources for the residents, just the same as many cultivated fruits and vegetables.

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Citation:

How to cite this article: Babatunde M. O., Mathew Olaleke Aremu, Jude C. Onwuka, Solomon J. Anzene, and Isaac Jato Proximate Analysis and Functional Activities of African Pear Fruit (Dacryodes edulis) Grown in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Chemistry. 2026; 12(01): 12-18p.

How to cite this URL: Babatunde M. O., Mathew Olaleke Aremu, Jude C. Onwuka, Solomon J. Anzene, and Isaac Jato, Proximate Analysis and Functional Activities of African Pear Fruit (Dacryodes edulis) Grown in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Chemistry. 2026; 12(01): 12-18p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijec/article=24632

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