PROXIMATE, PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANT AND VITAMIN CONTENTS OF NONI FRUIT PLANT

ABSTRACT The frequent use of plants for traditional medicine has inspired the biological scientific communities which has led to increased research on isolation and identification of phytochemicals found in plants. The aim of the study was to examine Proximate, phytochemical, antioxidant and vitamin contents of Noni fruit plant. Noni fruit plant was collected around WTC round about along Sahara Suite in Katsina local government, Katsina State Nigeria. Noni fruit was weighed to 500 g, washed thoroughly in two changes of clean water and drained prior to use for the study. The study revealed that Morinda citrifolia contains moderate levels of Vitamin A (0.72±0.01 mg/100g), Vitamin E (5.42±0.083 mg/100g), and Vitamin C (11±0.02 mg/100g). The DPPH radical scavenging activity demonstrated a concentration-dependent response, increasing from 30.85% at 2 mg/ml to 76.43% at 8 mg/ml, with ascorbic acid (standard) showing a maximum activity of 98.67%. The findings of this study confirm that Morinda citrifolia fruit is a valuable source of vitamins and antioxidant compounds, consistent with the results of previous researchers. The study concludes that food and pharmaceutical industries should explore the incorporation of Morinda citrifolia extracts in health supplements, functional foods, and beverages due to its high antioxidant and vitamin content.