Bioactive compounds, medicinal benefits and value added products of ber fruit: A review

Abstract

Ber fruit belongs to family Rhamnaceae and genus Zizyphus. Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk. is commercially important in India. It is considered as an underutilised crop. Ber fruit is normally eaten fresh are highly nutritious, rich in ascorbic acid, carbohydrates and contain fairly good amount of vitamin A and B complex, minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron. Predominant phenolics found in Ber relates to its major antioxidant activity, reducing power activity and scavenging of free radical activity. Fruit has great medicinal value, considered to purify blood and aid digestion. Ber fruit is mainly eaten fresh and in a dehydrated form. The fruits are greatly seasonal and available in plenty at particular times of the year. During peak season, the price decreases and their surplus amount in the market may result in the spoilage of large quantities, to avoid this spoilage; the fruits can be processed into various products like ber fruit powder, candy, jelly, jams etc. These value added products contribute significantly to the therapeutic as well as nutritive value.