Development and evaluation of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) based food supplement and its potential in combating oxidative stress.

Africa Star apple (ASA) remains under-utilized. Development into an acceptable food supplement (FS) with anti-stress potentials has not been explored. ASA were washed, de-pulped, oven-dried (65 °C, 18 h) and milled (≤180 µm). Possible bioactives were investigated using Gas-Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry. Blending with pre-gelatinized starch (pulp:starch, 7:3) followed, yielding the FS. Chemical parameters and sensory attributes were determined. Impact on oxidative stress marker - malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were monitored in Rats stressed and fed FS. FS had predominantly 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (0.58 mg/kg) with high free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH, 86.23%). Mean Sensory (taste) scores for food supplemented with FS (5.5 ± 1.17) compared favourably with the unsupplemented (6.2 ± 1.03). MDA was lower (0.92 ± 0.04nmole/ml) in Rats stressed and fed the FS when compared to exclusively stressed groups (2.28 ± 0.09nmole/ml). FS also significantly (P = 0.05) enhanced (36–109%) the activities of antioxidant enzymes. An acceptable FS with good anti-stress potential has been developed to further expand the utilization for ASA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]