Pharmacognosy, Nutritional Value and Antioxidant Activity of Aglaia elaeagnoidea (A.Juss.) Benth.

Introduction: Aglaia elaeagnoidea (A.Juss.) Benth. of Meliaceae is a small tree found in tropical forests. The tree yields subglobose, acidic, tan coloured edible berry. The fruits are said to be a rich source of vitamin and are used by traditional community as a source of energy and nutrition. Apart from this folk practitioners also use this as a source of fermentation initiators in the preparation of alchoholic fermentation products. Methods: Matured fruits collected in fruiting season are used for the study. Macro-microscopy, physicochemical standards, HPTLC, nutritional evaluation and antioxidant study carried out using standard methodology. Results: Tan coloured aromatic, acidic fruits, shown a thick pericarp with lignified trichomes; a thick mesocarp filled with sclerides and stones cells and a mucilaginous endosperm are distinctive macro-microscopic findings. Physico-chemical Standards, HPTLC mark the standards of the drug; whereas fruits shown the presence of carbohydrates and terpenoids compounds. Wild edible fruits proved presence of nutritional factors carbohydrates (57.10%), proteins (52.78%), and fat (0.80%) along with good amount of antioxidant property when alaysed through DPPH method. Physico chemical standards and HPTLC marks the standard of the drug. The fruit shows the presence of carbohydrates and terpenoids. Wild edible fruits proved presence of nutritional factors carbohydrates (57.10%), proteins (52.78%), and fat (0.80%) along with good amount of antioxidant property when analyzed through DPPH method. Conclusion: Further studies may prove this fruit as a source of drug in maintenance of health.