Syzygium Cumini L. Seed A Potent Source of Fiber, Protein and Natural Antioxidants

Syzygium cumini L. seeds have been documented in traditionalmedicine in Pakistan. The current research was aimed to assess the physicochemicalcharacteristics, polyphenols and antioxidants of S. cumini seed. The physicalcharacteristics such as the color of S. cumini seed were white to pink, the shapesresembled to oblong and coarse texture. The length, width and weight of fresh S.cumini seed were found to be (18.20±0.81mm, 11.05±0.41mm and 1.80±0.16g),respectively while the color of dried S. cumini seeds were light brown to brown,rhombus in shape with loutish texture. The average length, width and weight of driedS. cumini seeds were 16.47±0.45; 10.14±0.25 mm and 0.75±0.12 g respectively. S.cumini seeds powder were evaluated for their chemical composition e.g.carbohydrate, protein, fat, crude fiber, moisture content and ash (77.27±2.50,3.62±0.30, 6.25±0.55, 10.30±1.20 and 1.55±0.11 g/100g), respectively. Quantitativeanalysis of total phenolic content was performed it was found that the methanolic andwater extract had 52±1.65 and 40±1.25 mg GAE/g content. Free radical scavengingactivity was also evaluated to estimate the antioxidant property of extract. Amongtested extracts maximum % inhibition 96.61±1.90% was found in methanol extractand 69.30±1.56% in water extract, while BHT has % inhibition 50.70±1.32% atconcentration 100 μg/ml. Similarly in reducing power activity assay the maximumabsorbance 1.4704±0.05 was shown by methanol extract and 1.2075±0.03 in waterextract of S. cumini seed powder respectively which was compared with BHT(0.9207±0.02). Therefore, it was concluded that these Syzygium Cumini L. seedstraditional medicinal plants provide a good source of nutrients, namely protein, fiberand natural antioxidants.