Quantitative Assessment of the Ascorbic Acid Contents of Musa acuminata, Malus domestica and Citrus paradisi via Dichlorophenolindophenol and Spectrophotometric Analysis

Aims: Fresh fruits are main sources of daily requirements for ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Despite the wide varieties of local and introduced fruit types grown in Nigeria, more than 30% of the population often suffers vitamin C deficiency. The main aim of this study was to determine the ascorbic acid (AA) contents in fruit pulp of Musa acuminata, Malus domestica and Citrus paradisi.

Place and Duration of Study: Fresh fruit samples of Musa acuminata (banana), Malus domestica (apple) and Citrus paradisi (grape fruit) were purchased from local markets in Benin City on March 28, 2017. At the time of purchase, the fruits had excellent general appearance

Methodology: Aqueous extracts of the fruits were first screened for acidity and analyzed by the 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP)/spectrophotometric method.

Results: The ascorbic acid content of the aqueous extracts obtained ranged from 6.63±0.2126 mg / 100 g to 28.53±1.2269 mg / 100 g. The lowest content of AA was found in Malus domestica with a concentration of 6.63±0.2126 mg / 100 g, followed by Musa acuminata with a concentration of 8.90±0.2160 mg / 100 g. The highest concentration of AA content (28.53±1.2269 mg / 100 g) was recorded for Citrus paradisi.

Conclusion: This study is useful in determining the fruit types to consume in addressing vitamin C deficiency that is prevalent in many tropical and sub-tropical countries of Africa.