Comparative Proximate Analysis and Bioactive Compounds of Underexplored Fruits from Assam, North East India

Introduction: Garcinia pedunculata (garcinia), Dillenia indica (elephant apple), and Annona squamosa (custard apple) are nutritious fruits grown in India, particularly in Assam. However, these are seasonal and often underutilized, leading to significant wastage. The current study explored the nutritional constituents, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant properties of these fruits. Methods: Standard methods were employed for preliminary screening, proximate composition, vitamins, minerals, antioxidant capacities, and bioactive compound analyses in the fruit extracts. To evaluate the antioxidant capacities, DPPH (α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) were used. The presence of bioactive compounds in the fruit extracts was identified via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The phytochemical extracts of the fruits were investigated through in silico methods to evaluate their potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Results: The results indicated that garcinia fruit powder had high protein (9.21 ± 0.09 g/100 g), fat (6.87 ± 0.30 g/100 g), potassium (287 ± 3.73 mg/100 g), and phosphorus content (49.8 ± 1.17 mg/100 g), whereas custard apple fruit powder contained high carbohydrate, fiber (61.9 ± 0.45 and 13.6 ± 0.39 g/100 g), iron, and calcium content (39.88 ± 0.22 and 111.67 ± 3.33 mg/100 g), along with the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content (790.16 ± 28.31 mg GAE/100 g and 3193.8 ± 106.50 mg CE/100 g, respectively). GC-MS and in silico findings reported bioactive compounds such as cycloheptanol heptafluorobutyrate, succinic acid, retinal, methanone dicyclohexyl, and xanthosine, with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Discussion: These findings demonstrated significant levels of nutrients, antioxidant capacities, and key bioactive compounds, highlighting the potential of these underutilized fruits for value addition and the development of novel phytochemical drugs. Conclusion: This study thus provides a foundation for future research into the therapeutic applications of these compounds.