Fruits of the Future: Characterization of Indigenous Fruits of Cagayan Valley

To characterize indigenous and wild fruits in the region, fruits specimens and samples were collected from different areas of the region. These samples were subjected to laboratory analysis at the DOST laboratory for the nutrient composition, phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of the fruits. The characteristics of the plants, their fruits and their seeds were determined using the Characterization Guide of the Fruits Technical Working Group of the National Seed Industry Council, Bureau of Plant Industry. The fruits included in the study are, in their local names,: pulit(Microcos stylocarpa (Warb.) Burret), bagobo (Diplodiscus paniculatus), limuran(Calamus ornatus Blume var. philippinensis.Becc.), litoko(Calamus manilensis Wendl.), palali(Dillenia philippinensis), bayoyo(Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertn), dagwey(Saurauia subglabra Merr.). The nutrient composition included moisture, ash, total fat, crude protein,carbohydrates, iron, calcium and sodium. The phytochemical composition of the fruit samples were in four parameters: flavonoids, antraquinones, tannins and saponins. The palali fruit is positive in flavonoids and antraquinones while negative in tannins and saponins. The bagobo seeds are positive only in saponins while negative in flavonoids, antraquinones and tannins. The pulit fruit is positive in flavonoids, antraquinones and saponins while negative in tannins. The litoco fruit is positive in flavonoids and antraquinones while negative in tannins and saponins. The pharmacological characteristics consisted of measures of zones of inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The data show that the two species of bacteria tested were more susceptible to Palali fruit extract than to the Pulit fruit extract.

Keywords: indigenous fruits, wild fruits, nutrient composition, phytochemical, pharmacological