PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF IRVINGA GABONENSIS (BUSH MANGO OR AFRICAN MANGO)

Irvingia gabonensis (Bush Mango or Ugiri) is a tropical African fruit recognized for its nutritional and medicinal potential. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile, proximate composition, and antioxidant properties of I. gabonensis fruit pulp. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids (0.8115 mg/g), flavonoids (0.9034 mg/g), steroids (0.9800 mg/g), terpenoids, resins, proteins, reducing sugars, and carbohydrates, while glycosides and tannins were absent. Proximate analysis indicated high moisture content (8.11%), moderate carbohydrates (78.057%) and protein (4.12%), low fat (2.53%), ash (5.45%), and fiber (1.74%), highlighting its nutritional value. Antioxidant activity, assessed via DPPH radical scavenging assay, showed concentration-dependent inhibition, reaching 53.33% at 0.05 mg/mL, demonstrating the fruit’s ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. These findings confirm that I. gabonensis fruit pulp is rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential, supporting its traditional use in disease management and as a dietary supplement. The results underscore its application in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and the pharmaceutical industry, while suggesting further research into isolation of specific bioactive constituents and in vivo efficacy studies