Chemical And Anti Oxidant Properties Of Pepper Fruit Black Pear Monkey Kola
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Chemical And Anti Oxidant Properties Of Pepper Fruit Black Pear Monkey Kola
Chapter one
1.0. Introduction:
Piper nigrum (pepper fruit) is an indigenous fruit tree in the Annonaceae family. It is widely distributed and consumed by the people of Western Cameroons, Ivory Coast, and Southern Nigeria (Hutchinson and Dalziel, 1954; Keay et al., 1960; Okiy 1960).
It is a medium-sized or small tree that grows throughout the rain forest and is occasionally seen in Savanna forests (Keay et al., 1964). Piper nigrum fruits turn red when ripe and green when unripe.
The ripened fruits are the primary edible component. The plants’ leaves, fruit, bark, and roots all have a strong peppery and pungent spicy flavour, as well as a distinct perfume and fragrance.
The young leaves and fruits have a naturally spicy flavour (Achinewhu et al., 1995). The fruits are chewed in various ways (fresh green, newly ripened red, black dried fruit, and dry seed).
Piper nigrumfruit serves as a mild stimulant for consumers (Aiyeloja and Bello, 2006; Ndukwu and Nwadibia, 2006; Oyemitan et al., 2006). The fruits and leaves are used as seasonings in prepared foods such as beef, soup, sausage and some traditional local meals and vegetables (Ejechi and Akpomedaye, 2005).
Dennettia plants produce good fuel wood (Abbiw, 1990; Duguma et al., 1990). Its varied portions are widely utilised as spices and condiments (Oyemitan, 2008). The fruit is sold for money, primarily by rural women.
Piper nigrumfruits have been shown to contain essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre (Okwu et al., 2005). It was also discovered that the abundance of essential oils (oleoresins) influences the fragrant flavouring, colouring, and spicy qualities of pepper fruits. Nwaogu et al. (2007) studied the phytochemical content of Piper nigrum and found saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and cyanogenic glycosides.
Adebayo et al. (2006) found flavonoids in Dennettiatripetala. Flavonoids found in all fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer (Neuhouser, 2004; Graf et al., 2005).
According to Harpense et al. (1979), flavonoids contribute to the colour of plants, fruits, and flowers. According to Timothy and Okeke (2005), ingestion of 0.75g of Piper nigrum lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive emmetrops, although this effect does not last 30 minutes after consumption. The IOP was lowered by 17.30% (12.90 mmHg) from the average baseline of 15.60 mmHg.
Dacryodesedulis, commonly known as African plum, African pear, black pear, or Safou, is an indigenous fruit tree found in the humid lowlands and plateaus of West, Central African, and Gulf of Guinea countries.
In south-east Nigeria, the trees are cultivated around homesteads and flower from January to April. The main fruiting season occurs between May and October (Emebiri and Nwufo, 1990; Kengue and Nyagatchou, 1990).
Fruits are ellipsoidal, ranging in size from 4 to 9 cm long and 2 to 5 cm wide (Omoti and Okiy, 1987). They may be a valuable source of pulp oil, seed oil, and even whole fruit oil (Awono et al., 2002).
The Safou oil should be used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries (soap, perfume, creams), as well as other industries that require fat raw materials. The cake that remains after pulp oil production may be beneficial in the human food business (bakery, baby meals).
The information on Safou consumption and composition is incomplete. As the fruit grows in popularity and commercialisation, this information becomes increasingly important for correct fruit valuation.
Monkey Kola, also known as the genus Cola of the Sterculiaceae family, is native to tropical Africa, with the highest diversity found in West Africa. About 40 Cola species have been identified in West Africa.
In Nigeria, approximately twenty-three (23) species are recognised, with some being used in traditional medicine as stimulants, to prevent dysentery, headaches, and to suppress sleep. Colarostrata and C. lepidota (CL) K. Schum are perennial trees also known as monkey cola and cockroach kola.
Monkey kola is a common name for a group of small cousins of the Cola spp. that produce edible, pleasant fruits. The fruits are enjoyed by the native inhabitants of southern Nigeria and Cameron, as well as several wild primate creatures such as monkeys, baboons, and other species.
The seeds of the monkey kola species are obliquely ovoid with two flattened sides, rough, and reddish brown or green; however, unlike kola nut seeds (C. nitida), they are not edible. The aril (waxy mesocarp) is the edible component of the follicle and varies in colour, with C.rostrata having whitish aril and C.lepidota having yellowish aril. Colalepidota is said to be used in Nigerian traditional medicine as a febrifuge, for lung issues, and cancer-related diseases.
1.1. Background of the Study:
In Nigeria, several indigenous plants are used as spices, food, and medicine. A large number of these plants are traditionally known for their medicinal and pesticidal capabilities.
Piper nigrum (pepper fruit) is a medium-sized tree found primarily in Nigeria’s tropical rainforests and occasionally in savannah areas. The young leaves and berries have a characteristic peppery flavour.
The pepper fruit tree is a tropical tree that grows in mangrove areas along Africa’s west coast. It flowers at the start of the rainy season, particularly in April and May.
The majority of the edible component comes from mature fruits. However, certain communities in Southern Nigeria use the leaves and roots, as well as the fruits, for medicinal purposes.
Piper nigrum is a masticating herb that, when chewed, gives a distinctive peppery flavour. The peppery, spicy taste of mature fruits typically serves as a modest stimulant for the eater. In some parts of Nigeria, the fruits are consumed alongside kola nuts, garden eggs, and palm wine.
Piper nigrum fruit is popular in Southern Nigeria, where it is used to entertain guests, particularly at coronations, the new yam festival, and wedding rituals.
It is used as a spice, seasoning or natural flavouring in prepared foods such as meat, sausage, stew, soup and vegetables. The bark of Piper nigrumfruits is combined with food to alter the flavour and flavour of certain dishes.
It has been reported that the spicy fruits of Piper nigrum are commonly used in foods intended for pregnant women. Furthermore, Piper nigrum seeds are highly significant in women’s diets after childbirth, when spices and herbs are thought to promote uterine contraction.
The many components of this significant fruit have not been thoroughly documented. Despite its widespread use as food and medicine, little is known about Piper nigrumfruit’s composition.
African pear is a well-known plant in West Africa; the fruit is referred to as “Ube” in the South-East of Nigeria, “Native pear” in Ghana, “Safoutier” in Cameroon, and “Bush butter” in many other places of tropical climates.
Africa. Africa pear is an evergreen oleiferous tropical fruit tree that thrives in the humid and subhumid climates of West and Central Africa (Kengue 2001). At maturity, the fruit turns bluish black and is more sensitive to injury and significant losses (Kapsue and Kayem, 1998).
African pear fruit pulp and seeds are well known for their high protein, fat, fibre, mineral, and essential amino acid content (Kengue 2001). Domestically, the fruits are harvested for domestic usage, such as eating raw, boiling in hot water or roasting alongside boiled or roasted maize.
1.2. Statement of the Problem:
The problem statement for the study is as follows:
1. A major impediment to the commercial use of African fruits is a lack of good and consistent data. The majority of published research on the chemical and antioxidant capabilities of fruits vary from one another.
2. In addition, a lack of information about the fruit’s qualities has resulted in no processed products.
3. Efforts to optimise the economic and, to a lesser extent, nutritional value of fruits have focused on oil content (quality and extraction methods) while largely ignoring how other components, particularly proteins, could be used to supplement the nutritional needs of the consumer.
4. Most studies targeted at enhancing bread products have used beans as the primary protein source. Other plant food sources with high protein content, such as pepper fruit, black pear, and monkey kola, could also be employed for this purpose.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
At the end of the study endeavour, the researcher hopes to fulfil the following objectives:
1. Increase broad awareness of the usefulness of the fruits being studied.
2. Provide more information about the fruits’ medical applications.
3. Explain the chemical and antioxidant properties of the fruits.
4. Demonstrate practically how the fruits’ chemical and antioxidant content can be used medicinally.
1.4. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:
This study aims to successfully investigate the chemical and antioxidant contents of pepper fruit, black pear, and monkey kola in the laboratory. To accomplish this effectively, a step-by-step procedure was followed, beginning with determining the chemical and antioxidant content, as well as the properties of these chemicals and antioxidants.
1.5. Significance of the Study:
The purpose of this study is to examine the chemical and antioxidant contents and properties of pepper fruit, black pear, and monkey kola. This is done in order to gain understanding of its therapeutic uses, which will help those who can easily obtain the fruit to treat common illnesses such as coughs and sore throats.
1.6. LIMITATIONS OF RESEARCH:
Although the goal of the work was met, the research project encountered numerous difficulties, particularly during the practical phase. It was determined that the resources and reagents required to properly carry out the practical work were limited, as was the time frame for the research activity.
1.7. SCOPE OF THE STUDY:
The research details offered here solely illustrate the chemical and antioxidant capabilities of pepper fruit, black pear, and monkey kola, with a brief overview of their therapeutic applications and implications.
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