Assessment of Antioxidant Properties of Elaeagnus latifolia L.: An Important Wild Edible Fruit Species of Western Himalaya

Elaeagnus latifolia L. (family: Elaeagnaceae), is a wild-growing Himalayan shrub. Fresh berries of the species are consumed by mountainous populace as a food supplement, however as the biochemical attributes of the species is still lacking or limited. Therefore, the present study was focused to analyze polyphenolics-antioxidant properties of both fresh & dried berries in different solvents, collected from Chaudas valley of Pithoragarh district. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) variation among investigated parameters in different solvents. As a result, fresh berries were found potent source of polyphenolics (phenolics 1.65; flavonoids 1.35; flavonols 1.21; tannins 1.49; proanthocyanidins 1.21 mg/g, respectively) and antioxidants (ABTS 2.55; DPPH 2.74; FRAP 2.25; OHmiddot 1.16; NOmiddot1.19 mM AAE/100 g), respectively, as compared with dried berries. The moderate polarity of solvents (ethanol, methanol) was found suitable for harnessing maximum potential of the species. Furthermore, results suggested that both fresh & dried fruit berries are natural sources of various health benefit compounds (polyphenolics, antioxidants and other bioactive constituents), and should be further utilize for preparation of nutritious food stuffs which will be beneficial for plummeting the malnutrition deficiency.