Pulp of Morinda citrifolia (RUBIACEAE)

Morinda citrifolia is a terrestrial plant belonging to the family RUBIACEAE. This work contributes to the valorization of this plant by making a phytochemical, biological and biochemical study of the pulps of Morinda citrifolia from Antsiranana. For the phytochemical study, phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds (tannins, leucoanthocyanins, flavonoids, triterpenes and steroids) and sugars (bones, holosides, reducing compounds, deoxyoses and polysaccharides). The total flavonoid content and polysaccharide composition were determined. Concerning the biological tests, the pulps are not toxic and present an important antioxidant activity. Concerning the biochemical composition, the water, dry matter, ash, protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents were evaluated. According to the calculated energy value, carbohydrate provides most of the energy.