Characterization of Forestiera tomentosa Fruit: Proximate Composition, Physicochemical Parameters, Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity, and Toxicological Assessment

The demand for sustainable nutrients and bioactive compounds has increased interest in underutilized wild plants. Forestiera tomentosa, a Mexican drupe-bearing species, is largely unexplored. This study evaluated the proximate composition, physicochemical and functional properties, phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, and toxicological safety of F. tomentosa fruit. The fruit showed high carbohydrate content [71.94% dry weight (DW)], with notable crude fiber (7.90% DW), protein (7.39% DW), and lipid (4.30% DW) contents. Analysis revealed a mildly acidic pH (5.66), titratable acidity of 0.32%, and total soluble solids of 2.33 °Brix. The fruit powder had a low water activity (0.42) and a favorable water solubility index (56.10%), oil absorption (4.54%), and foaming capacity (19.71%). The fruit contained high levels of soluble phenols (280.42 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (98.89 mg CE/g DW), anthocyanins (54.53 mg C3G/g DW), and condensed tannins (94.05 mg CE/g DW). High-performance liquid chromatography identified 20 phenolic compounds, with 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid, syringic acid, catechin, epicatechin, and gallocatechin being predominant. The fruit showed significant radical scavenging and reducing potential (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). Toxicological evaluation using the Artemia salina bioassay showed a 100% survival rate across all concentrations, indicating no acute toxicity. In silico ADMET predictions revealed favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including high intestinal absorption and compliance with Lipinski’s rule of five. These findings position F. tomentosa as a promising, non-toxic source of functional ingredients for the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource utilization. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential health benefits of this fruit in vitro and in vivo.