Variation in minerals, polyphenolics and antioxidant activity of pulp, seed and almond of different Ziziphus species grown in Morocco

Abstract

Vegetables from the genus Ziziphus (Rhamnaceae) have been identified as one of the main dietary antioxidants, especially phenolic compounds. However, their chemical composition varies according to the specie or the part of the plant. Mineral composition (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, and zinc), polyphenolic content (Flavan-3-ol, Proanthocyanidin, total polyphenol content) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC Assay) in four different matrices (whole fruit, pulp, seed and almond) of Ziziphus (Z. Lotus and Z. Spina Christi) commonly grown in Morocco were investigated. As a result, minerals, polyphenolic contents and antioxidant capacity fluctuated significantly (p ≤ 0.05) between different matrices and Ziziphus species analyzed. Seeds displayed a significantly higher mineral level, polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity in comparison to whole fruit, pulp and almond. Among species, Z. spina-christi have a significantly higher content of mineral, phenolics and antioxidant activity. These results suggest that the mineral level, polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity vary considerably depending on the Ziziphus species and part of the plant analyzed. Furthermore, Z. spina-christi seeds presented properties desirable for use in functional food.

Physico-Chemical and Phytochemical Characterization of Moroccan Wild Jujube “Zizyphus lotus (L.)” Fruit Crude Extract and Fractions

“…Moreover, Z. lotus aqueous and organic extracts are characterized by the presence of flavonoids and tannins [ 11 ]. Particularly, cyclopeptide alkaloids, termed lotusines, and dammarane saponins have been isolated from this shrub, along with polyunsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid), carbohydrates, and fibers [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

Physical Fruit Traits, Proximate Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Profiling of Fatty Acids and Minerals of Wild Jujube (Ziziphus lotus L. (Desf.)) Fruits from Eleven Moroccan Origins

“…In order to study antioxidant activity of diferent extracts, three diferent techniques were used (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assay). DPPH assay measures the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of compounds that are able to transfer hydrogen atoms, similar to ABTS, but it includes the action of polar and nonpolar antioxidants, while FRAP assay measures the capacity to reduce iron ion Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ [8].…”

“…In Arabic, it is commonly known as "Sedra," and the fruit is a drupe called "Nbeg" [7]. Tis plant grows generally in arid and semi-arid regions around the world [8] in Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania, and Europe [9]. Also known as jujube, it is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine as an antiinfammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, and antiviral drug [7].…”

Medicinal Plants and Zinc: Impact on COVID-19 Pandemic

“…As previously signaled, zinc supplementation has a beneficial effect in strengthening the immune system; Table 2 provides a list of medicinal plants analyzed in various countries of the world for their zinc content. In Morocco, the following plants were analyzed: Artemisia herba alba , Thymus vulgaris , Lavandula dentata , Rosmarinus tournefortii, Pistacia lentiscus , Pistacia lentiscus , Retama monosperma , Retama monosperma , Ziziphus spina-christi , and Ziziphus lotus ; the zinc content in these plants ranged between 28 ± 6 mg/kg in the pulp of Ziziphus lotus and 1016.73 mg/kg in leaves of Rosmarinus tournefortii [ 81 – 85 ]. Similarly, Citrullus colocynthis , Balanites aegyptiaca , Solenostemma argel , Pergularia tomentosa , Acacia albida , Acacia ehrenbergiana , and Cymbopogon proximus from Egypt were analyzed by Sheded et al for the zinc content and revealed the following values: 25.87 ± 3.4 mg/kg, 15.47 ± 3 mg/kg, 73.77 ± 3.8 mg/kg, 58.47 ± 5.3 mg/kg, 30.27 ± 14.4 mg/kg, and 16.77 ± 4.4 mg/kg, respectively [ 86 ].…”