Evaluation of the Anti-oxidative, Erythrocyte Membrane Stabilizing Effect and Nutritional Status of Neolamarckia cadamba Fruit

Neolamarckia cadamba, (Roxb.) is commonly grown in different regions of Bangladesh, India also in some other parts of the world. The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-oxidative and erythrocyte membrane stabilizing effect of fruit extract along with the nutritional values of ripen fresh N. cadamba fruit. The antioxidant potential of the extract was assessed by its 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-free radical scavenging activity, anti-hemolysis and anti-lipid peroxide assay. Membrane stabilizing effect of N. cadamba extract was assessed by using hypotonic solution- and heat-induced hemolysis of erythrocytes. Nutritional values such as total protein, lipid, carbohydrate, crude fiber, etc., along with minerals (Na, K, Mg and Fe) were analyzed by different established chemical methods. The water and ethanolic extracts of ripen fruit showed antioxidative and membrane stabilizing activity, and the extracts were found rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, β-carotene, lycopene and Vitamin-C. The fruits were also found rich in minerals. Thus, N. cadamba fruit could be used as a good source of food nutrients. Due to its antioxidative and membrane stabilizing property, this fruit could have a promising role to avert hemolysis-related anemia, as seen inevitable during famine-related malnutrition.