Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Characteristics and Antimicrobial Activity of Azanza garckeana (Goron Tula) Fruit Pulp from Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Indigenous wild edible fruits are valuable sources of essential nutrients and bioactive plant compounds with potential health benefits. One example is Azanza garckeana, commonly known as Goron Tula, which is widely consumed in northern Nigeria but has not been thoroughly studied for regional ecological variation. This research assessed the nutritional profile, phytochemical content, and antibacterial properties of the fruit pulp of Azanza garckeana collected from Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Standard AOAC procedures were used to analyse proximate composition, and chromogenic reagents were used to qualitatively detect phytochemicals. Antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus sp. and Escherichia coli using the agar well diffusion method. The results indicated that available carbohydrates were the most abundant component (56.97%), followed by crude fibre (20.08%), crude protein (10.01%), crude fat (6.30%), moisture (4.07%), and total ash (2.57%). Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, and glycosides, though flavonoids and phytosterols were not detected. The fruit extract demonstrated antibacterial effects, producing inhibition zones of 18–25mm and 10–20mm against Staphylococcus sp. and E. coli, respectively, on Nutrient and MacConkey agar. These findings suggest that Azanza garckeana pulp is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, supporting its potential use in functional foods and plant-based medicines. Future research into compound isolation, antioxidant capacity, minimum inhibitory concentrations, and elemental composition could further enhance its application in nutraceutical and functional food development.