Vol. 1, Issue 3, Part A (2019)

Fruits contain various biologically active compounds and vitamins that can promote certain synergistic and health-related activities which signify the phrase that “fruit juices are the pure gifts from mother nature”. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) cannot be synthesized by humans directly hence needs to be supplemented with the diet of their natural form. Besides the biologically active compounds such as phenols and flavonoids which is the natural source of antioxidants, ascorbic acid plays a vital role in various beneficial activities. The present studies were conducted to estimate the phenol and flavonoid, and ascorbic acid contents in fruits like Spondias pinnata (L.F.) Kurz., Psidium guajava L., Syzynium cumini (L.) Skeels., Syzynium jambos((L.) Alston., Prunus persica (L.) Stokes and Pyrus communis L. were estimated by the spectrophotometric method. The vitamin C, total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined by the standard protocol. The vitamin C estimation was found highest in P. guajava (0.300±0.030) followed by S. cumini (0.280±0.039) and S. jambos (0.027±0.021). The phenol content was found significantly highest in S. cumini (0.153±0.013) followed by S. jambos (0.127±0.018) and P. guajava (0.123±0.018). Also the flavonoid content was observed highest in P. guajava (0.587±0.067), S. jambos (0.245±0.074) and S. cumini (0.192±0.056). The results of the present investigation were analyzed statistically by using ANOVA single factor analysis and the p value was found less than the significant level (p < 0.05). The data so obtained reflects that the fleshy fruits are an important source of phytochemicals with potent antioxidant activity.