The Bush Candle Fruit (Canarium Schweinfurthii): Its Antioxidant Potential, Phytochemicals and Minerals Constituents

The Bush candle fruit (Canarium schweinfurthii) is claimed to have numerous traditional therapeutic applications. Screening it for antioxidant potential, phytochemicals and minerals constituents is part of the numerous ways to scientifically ascertain these claims. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the antioxidant potential, phytochemicals and minerals constituents of the Bush candle fruit. Standard methods were used for the determinations. The result of antioxidant potential determination using both DPPH and FRAP methods revealed a direct relationship between increase in extract concentration and increase in antioxidant potential. An IC50 of 50µg/ml was obtained using the DPPH method. Results of phytochemicals analysis showed that the fruit contains flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. The result of minerals analysis revealed the presence of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn, all within beneficial range for human. Although, the toxic metals Pb, Cr, Li, Se, Hg and Cd were present, but were all within safety limits for human. These findings may be proofs to the therapeutic claims on Bush candle fruit that are associated with the phytochemicals and minerals it contains as revealed in this research.