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Proximate analysis and mineral composition of Pimenta racemosa var. racemosa fruits collected from Táchira state, Venezuela


Material Science & Engineering International Journal
Contreras-Moreno Billmary Zuleyma,1 Rojas-Vera Janne,2 Izaguirre César,3 Méndez Lucero,1 Gómez Rubén,3 Celis María Teresa,1 Santiago, Berta4

Abstract

Pimenta racemosa var. racemosa (Myrtaceae) is a Caribbean arboreal plant known as Bay rum, with a special interest for the cosmetics industry, due to its essential oil. In present study, proximate composition and mineral content of Bay rum fruits was analyzed and results compared to the USDA (2012),1 through the nutrient database for Pimenta dioica fruits. The results of bromatologic test of Bay rum revealed a high content of crude fiber (39.46%) and ashes (18.58%). Furthermore, minerals such as potassium (K) and zinc (Zn), found in ashes by using ICP-AES, revealed a higher content of these (6.6 and 1.1 times, respectively), comparing to P. dioica. Bay rum fruits might be considered as possible source of Zn and K for human and animal consumption. Additionally, the high crude fiber content might contribute to blood sugar levels regulation and also to reduce developing gastrointestinal diseases such as colon cancer.

Keywords

Pimenta racemosa, fruits, proximate analysis, minerals, potassium, zinc

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