Effect of Drying Methods on the Anti-Nutrient and Antioxidant Properties of Bush Mango Mesocarp (irvingia Gabonensis)

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of drying methods on the anti-nutrient and antioxidant properties of bush mango mesocarp (Irvingia gabonensis). The mesocarp was separated from the endocarp and epicarp of the fruit using a sterile knife, sliced, and then dried using three methods: sun drying, oven drying, and solar drying. The dried mesocarp was ground into a fine powder and analyzed for anti-nutrient composition (tannin, oxalate, phytate, and alkaloid) and antioxidant composition (flavonoid, saponin, vitamin C, and total phenolic content) using standard methods. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance at a 5 % level. The anti-nutrient results showed tannin content ranging from (33.00 to 37.38 mg/100g), with samples (B and C) having the highest content (no significant difference, p > 0.05). Oxalate content ranged from (0.23 to 0.34 mg/L), with no significant difference (p > 0.05) and sample C having the highest content (0.34 mg/L). Phytate content ranged from (1.85 to 6.04 mg/100g), with a significant difference (p < 0.05) and sample C having the highest content (6.04 mg/100g). Alkaloid content ranged from (2.60 to 3.30 %), with no significant difference (p > 0.05) and sample A having the highest content (3.30 %). The antioxidant results showed flavonoid content ranging from (1.80 to 2.40 %) and saponin content ranging from (0.17 to 0.23 mg/100g), with no significant difference (p > 0.05) in both. Sample B had the highest values for both flavonoid (2.40 %) and saponin (0.23 mg/100g) content. Vitamin C content ranged from (23.56 to 36.59 mg/100g), with a significant difference (p < 0.05) and sample B having the highest content (36.58 mg/100g). Total phenolic content ranged from (220.76 to 252.10 mg/100g), with no significant difference (p > 0.05) between samples (B and C), and sample A having the highest content (252.10 mg/100g). The anti-nutrient and antioxidant constituent in bush mango mesocarp were discussed with respect to their role in food in Nigeria.