Physicochemical Study of Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) Fruits from Different Regions of Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63359/85dhsn03Keywords:
Antioxidant activity, Morphological characteristics, Phenolic compounds, Physicochemical properties, Ziziphus jujubaAbstract
The fruits of the Sidr tree, also known popularly as Ziziphus jujuba , are sweet-tasting and have many health benefits as they contain many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and others. They are used in traditional medicine to treat many health conditions. Based on this, this study aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical differences and bioactive compounds in Ziziphus jujuba fruits collected from the Brack Alshatti and Jufra regions in southern Libya. The analysis included the morphological characteristics of the fruits (length, diameter, fruit weight, and color), in addition to determining the basic chemical components, namely moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamin C, using approved standard methods, as well as estimating phenolic compounds and flavonoids and evaluating antioxidant activity. The results showed that Ziziphus jujuba Brack fruits had a higher moisture content (67.53±1.16%) compared to Aljufra fruits (47.12±3.33%). They also had a higher vitamin C content (74.00±4.00 mg/100 g) compared to (56.93±1.00 mg/100 g), and the total phenolic compound content in Ziziphus jujuba Brack fruits increased to (390.26 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g) compared to (324.10 (390.26 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g) in Jufra fruit, which was reflected in an increase in antioxidant activity by (90.27%) compared to (87.94%).In contrast, Al-Jufra fruits region recorded higher ash content (5.33±0.09%) compared to Barak fruits region (4.29±0.08%), and exceeded them in protein content (3.87±0.03%) compared to (1.72±0.40%), in addition to higher fat (6.04±0.21%), fiber (4.08±0.16%), and carbohydrates (33.56%) compared to brack Alshatti region fruits, which recorded (5.47±0.10%) fat, (2.36±0.13%) fiber, and (18.63%) carbohydrates. Mineral analysis showed significant differences in zinc (0.20±0.02 vs. 0.10 mg/kg) and copper (1.15±0.005 vs. 1.67±0.13 mg/kg), while no significant differences were recorded in cadmium (0.054±0.26 and 0.010 mg/kg). The results of the study indicate clear differences in the chemical composition and biologically active compounds of Ziziphus jujuba fruits between the Brack and Jufra regions. These differences reflect the impact of environmental and geographical factors on the nutritional value and biological activity of Ziziphus jujuba fruit in Libya.
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