Preliminary assessment of phytochemical contents and antioxidant properties of Pistacia integerrima fruit.

Present study was focused on the evaluation of preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant properties in hydrophilic and lipophilic solvents extracts of Pistacia integerrima fruit, collected from Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Standard analytical methods were followed to estimate the proximate composition of nutrients, trace metals and phytochemical contents including phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and ascorbic acid. The free radical scavenging activities of aqueous and acetone extracts were carried out against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide radical, ferrous ion chelation, ferric ion reduction, and phosphomolybdenium complex assay. Comparatively highest value of cultural importance index was determined for Margalla hills than other study sites. Crude fibers contents (33.65%) were found highest among nutrients, while in minerals utmost level was measured for K (947.3 mg/kg, FW), followed by Ca, Mg, Na and Fe. Acetone extract exhibited highest total phenolics contents (113.7 mg GAE/100g, FW) and antioxidant potential for ferric ion reduction (107.3 µM GAE/100g, FW), phosphomolybdenum complex assay (99.32 µM AAE/100g, FW) and DPPH radical scavenging (91.89%). Fruit of P. integerrima was found an excellent source of nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. Crude extracts exhibited noteworthy potential against free radicals and could be of immense significance in the prevention of different diseases related to free radicals. Present data could be an effectual tool for propagation programs intended to enhance the antioxidant and other phytochemical components in foods.