Nutritional value, phytochemical content, and antioxidant activity of three phytobiotic plants from west Cameroon

The search for natural sources of bioactive compounds known as phytobiotics is becoming a new challenge for industry and scientists. Thus, the present work aimed to study the nutritional value and phytochemical properties of Camellia sinensis, Annona muricata, and Zingiber officinale plants from the West region of Cameroon. The plant powders were used to evaluate their proximate composition and mineral content. The Phytochemical contents (total phenolic and flavonoid contents) and the antioxidant activities were evaluated through the DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, the ability to reduce ferric ion, and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, using the aqueous extracts of these plants. The results revealed that leaves of Camellia sinensis and flower of Annona muricata powders had high levels of macronutrients (lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates) and mineral contents such as sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) higher than the human recommended daily values. Also, extracts of Camellia sinensis and Annona muricata recorded high values of total phenolic (123.09 and 75 mg GAE/g respectively) and flavonoid (18.49 and 17.86 mg CE/g respectively) contents. The aqueous extracts of these plants showed the highest antioxidant activities compared to that of Zingiber officinale. In conclusion, these plants are important sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds, and as phytobiotics, they can be useful for industrial and research purposes.