Food applications of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex. O'Rorke) Baill., the 'bush mango': A review. Issue 14 (5th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mateus-Reguengo, L.; Barbosa-Pereira, L.; Rembangouet, W.; Bertolino, M.; Giordano, M.; Rojo-Poveda, O.; Zeppa, G.
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. Volume 60:Issue 14(2020)
• Page Start: 2446
• Page End: 2459
• Publication Date: 2020-08-05
• Subjects: Bush mango -- ogbono soup -- dika nut -- polyphenols -- carotenoids; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Food -- Periodicals; Diet -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Periodicals; Nutrition; Food; Diet; Review Literature; 664
• DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1646704
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8398

Abstract

Abstract: Irvingia gabonensis, also known as 'bush mango', is a multipurpose fruit tree, native to tropical Africa. It is a priority indigenous fruit tree in western and central Africa since its wood is used for making utensils and fruits are mostly used as food and medicine. The objective of this work is to provide an updated review of the available knowledge about physicochemical characteristics of I. gabonensis fruit in order to evaluate its potential use in the food industry. The fruit mesocarp contains various phytochemicals and ascorbic acid concentration higher than some vitamin C rich fruits, then it is consumed fresh or dried, used to produce juice and wine, or as a flavourant. I. gabonensis fruit kernel is rich in oil (63%–69% crude fat), mainly composed of myristic and lauric acids. Its triacylglycerol composition and, resultantly, melting curve and polymorphism indicate an aptitude for diverse applications, as it is solid at room temperature. Forty-one phenolic compounds were identified in the seeds and derived extracts and supplements, being ellagic acid and its derivates the most present. This review enhances our knowledge about nutritional content and health benefits of I. gabonensis whole fruit, especially its pulp and seed, evidencing the need for safer and more efficient production of value-added products.