DETERMINATION OF VITAMIN C CONTENT OF SOME INDIGENOUS FRUITS OF KERALA AND ITS INFLUENCE ON BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

DETERMINATION OF VITAMIN C CONTENT OF SOME INDIGENOUS FRUITS OF KERALA AND ITS INFLUENCE ON BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Megha.P.M¹, Nishaa.S¹, Archana.R.Nair², Reiya Bosco .D³

Department of Biotechnology, Mercy College, Palakkad, Kerala, India.

Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, Kerala, India.

Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Centre for Molecular and Nanomedical Sciences, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Diets high in fruits and vegetables are widely recommended for their health-promoting properties. Fruits and vegetables have historically held a place in dietary guidance because of their concentrations of vitamins, especially vitamins C and A; minerals, especially electrolytes; and more recently phytochemicals, especially antioxidants. Some indigenous fruits of Kerala like Phyllanthus emblica (Gooseberry), Phyllanthus acidus (Malay gooseberry), Averrhoa bilimbi (Bilimbi), Syzygium samarangenese (Rose apple) were selected and their Vitamin c content was analysed in Fresh, Brined and cooked extracts.The fresh extract of Phyllanthus emblica (Gooseberry) showed a maximum vitamin C content. The fresh extract of Phyllanthus emblica (Gooseberry) on screening for phytochemicals showed the presence of phenols, flavanoids, tannins and alkaloids. The extract also showed a significant anti-lipid peroxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antibacterial activity.

Keywords: Vitamin C, Fruits, anti-lipid peroxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic,  anti-bacterial activity.