See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/272182810

Mineral analysis of Averrhoa bilimbi L. - A potential fruit

Article · January 2014

CITATIONS READS

6 2,029

6 authors, including:

Bhaurav Dangat Dipali Jagtap

P.D.V.P. COLLEGE TASGAON Shivaji University, Kolhapur
22 PUBLICATIONS   19 CITATIONS    1 PUBLICATION   6 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Rajaram Gurav
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
44 PUBLICATIONS   118 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

A taxonomic revision of the old world genera Murdannia, Commelina and Cyanotis (Commelinaceae) in India View project

Recovery of RET species of Ceropegia from Western Ghats View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Rajaram Gurav on 14 February 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Vol 7, Issue 3, 2014 ISSN - 0974-2441

Original Article
MINERAL ANALYSIS OF AVERRHOA BILIMBI L. – A POTENTIAL FRUIT

BHAURAV. T. DANGAT, ANUJA A. SHINDE, DIPALI N. JAGTAP, VARSHARANI R. DESAI, PRACHI B. SHINDE, AND
RAJARAM. V. GURAV
Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur 416 004 (M.S.) India,
Email: schndangat@gmail.com
Received: 8 May 2014, Revised and Accepted: 30 May 2014
ABSTRACT
Averrhoa bilimbi L. (Oxalidaceae) is widely distributed and cultivated throughout tropical countries for its fruits. Parts such as leaves, bark, fruits are
widely used in medicine as a folk remedy for many symptoms. This study provides morphological and biochemical characteristics of half-ripen
bilimbi fruits. During present study physical and chemical properties of Bilimbi fruits were studied at half-ripen stage for potential benefits based
on its mineral content. Phosphorus content of the fruits was higher at half-ripen stage i.e. 39 ± 1.7%, while in case of minor elements, Molybdenum
is present in least amount i.e. 0.04 ± 0.05 ppm. This Chemical studies reveals that the fruit is good source of minerals such as Potassium,
Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron suggesting its use as a potential fruit.
Keywords: Averrhoa, Bilimbi, Mineral analysis, Oxalidaceae.

INTRODUCTION following the standard method of flame photometer (Model- Elico,

ch-22A), remaining inorganic elements viz. Calcium, Potassium,
Plants are the main source of drugs that being used from the ancient Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper and Cobalt were
times as herbal remedies for the health care, prevention and cure of estimated by using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Perkin-
various diseases and ailments [1]. Averrhoa bilimbi L. of family Elmer, 3030 A).
oxalidaceae, widely cultivated throughout tropical countries for
their fruits as these fruits are nutritionally rich. It is commonly RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
called as Bilimbi and medicinally used as a folk remedy for many
symptoms. There are many uses in traditional medicine such as fruit Morphometric studies
conserves or syrups are used for coughs, fevers, and inflammation. Studies on morphological features such as colour, length, width,
Young fruits are waxy shining and green, while mature are yellowish volume, weight, moisture and number of seeds, ridges of fruits and
in colour. Fruits are ellipsoid, obovoid or nearly cylindrical, lobed in biochemical characteristics endows Averrhoa fruits as a potential
structure having 4-5 ridges. The size ranges from 5.5 - 7 cm long and fruit having good amount of antioxidant and minerals (Fig. I & Table
upto 2-3 cm in diameter. On an average 7 seeds are present in a fruit. 1). Data proves that half ripen Averrhoa fruits are ideal in fruit diet.
Flowering in Bilimbi starts around mid February to late March and Mean length of fruit is 6.1 ± 0.38 cm and diameter is 2.1 ± 0.16 cm,
fruiting lasts upto late December to early January. Fruit taste is sour while 5 ridges are present per fruit. Number of seeds present per
due to high content of oxalic acid, rich in vitamin C, with high level of fruit varies greatly, during present studies a mean 7.7 ± 2.45 seeds
antioxidants. They are eaten as raw or used in pickles, curries, were found to be present per fruit. Weight of fresh fruit varies
chutney, and preserves in various dishes. Floral morphological greatly with its size, however mean fruit weight is 18.6 ± 2.17 gm,
features and variability in two species of Averrhoa viz. A. bilimbi L. while mean seed weight is 0.16 ± 0.08 gm. Fresh fruits shows 96.9 ±
and A. carambola L. has been studied [2], while a review to provide 0.06 % moisture content and pH of the fresh fruit pulp is 2.31 ± 0.2
an updated categorization of the phytochemical constituents along i.e. acidic due to high oxalic acid content.
with the comprehensive list of known ehtanobotnical uses common
names and a brief summary of relevent pharmacological activites of Table 1: Physical features of mature fruits of Averrhoa bilimbi L.
Averrhoa carambola Linn. has been done [3]. Averrhoa bilimbi is a
potent plant for future research since it has antidiabetic, Sr. No. Parameters studied Analysis
antihyperlipidaemic and antibacterial properties [4]. 01 Length of fruit (cm) 6.1 ± 0.38
02 Diameter of fruit (cm) 2.1 ± 0.16
Hence, by keeping this view present study is aimed at determining 03 Length/diameter ratio 2.8 ± 0.32
the physical features and mineral composition of half ripen green 04 Number of ridges 5.0 ± 0.0
fruits of Bilimbi. 05 Length of ridges (cm) 5.7 ± 0.32
05 Width of ridges (cm) 0.4 ± 0.05
MATERIALS AND METHODS 06 Weight of fruit (g) 18.6 ± 2.17
Ten half ripen healthy fruits of Averrhoa (bilimbi) were collected 07 Moisture Content of fruit (%) 96.9 ± 0.06
during fruiting season from the Botanical garden, Shivaji University, 08 Dry weight of fruit (g) 0.55 ± 0.05
Kolhapur. These fruits were washed thrice under tap water followed 09 Number of seeds/ fruit 7.7 ± 2.45
by distilled water. Physical features, such as size, colour and weight 10 Weight of seeds(g) 0.16 ± 0.08
of fruit; size, number and weight of seed; size and number of ridges;
(n=10; mean ± SD)
fresh and dry weight; pH were recorded. For acid digestion each
fruit was cut into small pieces and dried at 60°C for about 15 days. Mineral composition
Dried fruit pieces were crushed in mortar with the help of pestle and
dry powder was stored in airtight containers for further analysis. Table 2 shows the mineral constituents of half ripen Averrhoa
For mineral analysis acid digestion method has been followed [5]. bilimbi fruits. Nitrogen, nitrate, phosphorous, potassium, calcium,
Sodium and Potassium were estimated by flame photometrically magnesium, sulphur and sodium were found to be major minerals
 Dangat et al.
Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 7, Issue 3, 2014,

while zinc, ferrous, copper, manganese, molybdenum and boron REFERENCES -

were minor elements. Phosphorus content of the fruit is maximum
while nitrate content is lowest in case of major elements, while 1. Kalia AN. Text Book of Industrial Pharmacognosy. CBS
ferrous is maximum i.e. 33.12 ± 1.34 and molybdenum is lowest 0.04 Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd, Daryaganj, New Delhi, India;
2005.
± 0.005 in minor elements.
2. Soumya SL, Nair BR. Floral morphological features and variability
in two species of Averrhoa L. (Oxalidaceae). Int J Pl Repro Bio
2013; 7(2): 200-209.
3. Gheewala P, Kalaria P, Chakraborty M, Kamath J. Averrhoa
carambola Linn. : An Overview. Int Res J Pharm 2012; 3(1): 88-
92.
4. Roy A, Geetha RV, Lakshmi T. Averrhoa bilimbi Linn–Nature’s
Drug Store- A Pharmacological Review. Int J Drug Dev & Res
2011; 3 (3): 101-106.
5. Toth SJ, Prince AL, Wallace A, and Mikkenlsen DS. Rapid
quantitative determination of eight mineral elements in plant tissue.
Systematic Procedure involving use of a flame photometer. Soil Sci
1948, 66:459-466.
6. Bhasker B, Shantaram M. Morphological and biochemical
characteristics of Averrhoa fruits. I J Pharm Chem Biol Sci 2013;
3(3): 924-928.

Fig.1: Habit and morphology of Averrhoa bilimbi L.

Table 2: Mineral composition of mature fruits of Averrhoa

bilimbi L.
Sr. No. Parameters Analysis
1. Nitrogen % 2.22 ± 0.05
2. Nitrate N % 0.07 ± 0.004
3. Phosphorus % 39.00 ± 1.7
4. Potassium % 1.52 ± 0.03
5. Calcium % 0.65 ± 0.1
6. Magnesium % 0.36 ± 0.05
7. Sulphur % 0.28 ± 0.05
9. Zinc ppm 25.53 ± 1.31
10. Ferrous ppm 33.12 ± 1.34
11. Copper ppm 0.07 ± 0.015
12 Mangenese ppm 0.05 ± 0.015
13. Molybdenum ppm 0.04 ± 0.005
14. Boron ppm 26.75 ±2.83
(n=10; mean ± SD)
Averrhoa bilimbi fruit is a good source of minerals such as
potassium, calcium, phosphorous and iron. They are low in calorie,
sodium and lipids which qualifies it as an excellent source of natural
antioxidants and minerals. Physical properties and dimensions of
mature Averrhoa fruits are ideal as green vegetable for human
consumption [6]. Overall compostion of mineral elements suggests
Averrhoa bilimbi fruit is good source of minerals and a potential fruit
to be popularised for diet.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We express our sincere thanks to The Head, Department of Botany,
Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India for providing necessary facilities
to carry out this study.

11

View publication stats