ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the proximate composition and phytochemicals present in Syzygium samarangense (java apple)fruit. Proximate analysis was carried out on the dried and ground fruit while phytochemical screening was done for fruit extracted with water and ethanol.Proximate analysis was adapted from the standard methods developed by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Results from this study indicated that the fruit of Syzygium samarangense has high crude fibre, carbohydrate and moisture content, with values of (27.549±1.727%), (55.930±0.895%), (95.01±0.481%), respectively. With values of (2.645±0.273%), and (9.773±0.327%), respectively, it was observed that the crude protein and fat content contents were quite low. The ash content was moderate with value (4.103±0.721%). The fruit's phytochemical analysis (aqueous extract) revealed that it contains alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, phenols, reducing sugars, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds while testing negative for tannins, eugenols, steroids, and flavonoids. Phytochemical screening (ethanol extract) indicated that Syzygium samarangense fruit contained glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and reducing sugars were highly present while testing negative to steroids, eugenols and phenols. The results obtained indicate that the fruit is rich in crude fibre and moisture so it could help in resolving constipation. At the same time, it could be helpful for the digestive process, in addition to lowering cholesterol as it is low in crude fat. The phytochemical characterizations have confirmed the fruit consist some of bioactives compounds which are potential for further activities in pharmaceutical disease.
