article · Bangladesh Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research
An evaluation of the African black pear (Dacryodes edulis) demonstrates notable chemical differences between its pulp and kernel. The pulp contains higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids, total phospholipids, and phytosterols, predominantly sitosterol, as well as elevated glucose and fructose levels that yield a sweeter flavour profile. Conversely, the kernel contains more saturated fatty acids and exhibits a higher hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic ratio, indicating favourable cholesterol-lowering properties. Both the pulp and kernel share oleic acid and stearic acid as their principal fatty acids, with phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine forming the bulk of the phospholipid fraction. Together, these specific compositions highlight the nutritional and functional possibilities of both fruit components for dietary and therapeutic purposes.
Determining the nutritional and chemical makeup of the African black pear clarifies how its different parts can be used. By mapping the distribution of healthy fats, phytosterols, and sugars between the pulp and kernel, this research provides the compositional evidence needed to assess the fruit's value as a nutrient-dense food and a source of functional health ingredients.
The data indicates opportunities for food manufacturers and nutraceutical developers seeking natural sources of phytosterols, healthy fats, or cholesterol-moderating compounds. Because the research is limited to compositional laboratory analysis, it remains at an early stage. Developing real-world products will require extraction optimisation, shelf-life and stability testing, and validation in food or medicinal formulations.
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This study examines the fatty acid profiles, phospholipid content, phytosterol composition, and sugar concentrations of the kernel and pulp of African black pear (Dacryodes edulis) in order to determine their chemical composition and quality criteria. The findings showed notable variations in the distribution of fatty acids, with the pulp displaying higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 20.8%) and the kernel having a larger quantity of saturated fatty acids (SFA, 40.37%) than the pulp (36.41%). Oleic acid (C18:1) and stearic acid (C18:0) were the predominant fatty acids in both the kernel and the pulp. Better cholesterol-lowering capability was suggested by the kernel's greater hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (H/H) (5.74), compared to the pulp's (3.47). Total phospholipid content which is dominated by phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), was higher in the pulp (483.34 mg/100 g) than in the kernel (427.82 mg/100 g), according to phospholipid analysis. The pulp had a higher concentration of phytosterols, especially sitosterol (125.2 mg/100 g) than the kernel (108.48 mg/100 g). The pulp's greater glucose and fructose concentrations which contribute to its sweeter taste profile were shown by sugar analysis. These results highlight Dacryodes edulis's nutritional and practical potential for use in foods and medicine. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(2), 73-82, 2025
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DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v60i2.78348
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