In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Biochemistry

Abstract

This study examined the chemical makeup and antioxidant mineral content of the flesh and seeds of the African ebony tree Diospyros mespiliformis, a plant long used in traditional medicine. The goal was to evaluate the nutritional and therapeutic value of both the commonly eaten flesh and the often-overlooked seeds. Researchers used standard qualitative and quantitative chemical tests and gravimetric methods to profile phytochemicals, measured antioxidant activity with DPPH and FRAP assays, and quantified vitamins A, C, and E plus essential minerals using spectrophotometry. Screening found important bioactive groups tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, and glycosides in both fruit parts, with the seeds richer in tannins and saponins. Saponins were the most abundant metabolites at 6.19–6.50 g per 100 g, followed by alkaloids and flavonoids. The extracts showed strong, dose-dependent free-radical scavenging and ferric reducing activity, indicating clear antioxidant potential, and Vitamin E registered the highest antioxidant vitamin level at 111.3 percent. Mineral analysis showed more iron in the seeds and higher zinc and magnesium in the flesh. Overall, the fruit appears to be a promising natural source of antioxidants and micronutrients for functional foods and nutraceuticals, and the authors recommend further work on compound isolation, bioavailability, and toxicity to support therapeutic use.