Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Some Underutilized Wild Edible Fruits of the Sikkim Himalaya

In the present study, nine potential wild edible fruits viz., Elaeagnus latifoila, Diploknema butyracea, Eriolobus indica, Spondias axillaris, Machilus edulis, Baccaurea sapida, Ficus hookeri, Elaeocarpus Sikkimensis and Cyphomandra betacea were investigated for antioxidant activity (AOA), total phenolic contents (TPC) and free radical scavenging activities (FRSA). Among different fruits analyzed, Spondias axillaris extract was found to possess the highest antioxidant activity (73.9%) and total phenolic content (69.4 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract). Spondias axillaris extract also showed best free radical scavenging activity in terms of IC₅₀ value (inhibitory concentration); EC₅₀ (efficiency concentration; mg/mg DPPH); ARP (anti radical power) and reducing power (ASE/ml). The study thus signifies the potential of Spondias axillaris as a source of antioxidant compounds.