Nutritional and nutraceutical characteristics of Sageretia theezans fruit

The fruit of Sageretia theezans is one of many underutilized edible fruits that grow along the southern seashores of East Asia. In this study, to evaluate the nutritional and nutraceutical values of S. theezans fruit, the composition of minerals, organic acids, and proximate and fatty acids, the total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin content, and the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of S. theezans fruit were analyzed. The results indicate that S. theezans fruit could be classified as a potential potassium-, malic acid-, and linoleic/oleic acid-rich fruit. In addition, The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of the 70% ethanol (EtOH) crude extract exhibited strong antioxidant activities including free radical scavenging and reducing power activities compared with the same concentration of butylated hydroxytoluene. Furthermore, the EtOAc fraction showed significant inhibition of α-glucosidase activity. The analysis of the total phenolic and flavonoid content suggested that the remarkable antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the EtOAc fraction are due to the presence of high levels of polyphenolic compounds.