Estimation of phytochemical, nutritional, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of dried fruit of sacred figs (Ficus religiosa) and formulation of value added product (Hard Candy)

Abstract

The present study deals with the nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of dried fruit of sacred figs (Ficus religiosa Linn), commonly known as peepal or Bo tree, which belongs to family Moraceae and found throughout India and in other neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar etc. The phytochemical analysis of sacred figs showed the presence of total phenolics, flavanoids, and other secondary metabolites which contributes to its good antioxidant activity which was estimated by FRAP and DPPH scavenging assay, whereas alkaloid content was comparatively low. The nutritional profiling of the dried fruit of sacred fig indicated that it is an admirable source of dietary fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, and magnesium, phosphorous and relatively negligible amount of fat. This study explains that Ficus religiosa figs with high phytochemical and nutritional properties can be utilized as nutraceutical food with highly therapeutic properties. Further hard boiled candies were prepared using glucose syrup and lemon juice in which dried powder of fruits of Ficus religiosa was incorporated along with permitted flavoring and coloring agents for appeal. The sensory evaluation showed very good overall acceptability by the panelists.