Balanites Aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (Desert Date Palm), a Plant of Mauritanian Flora: Fruits Biological Activities and Jam Valuation

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile (B. aegyptiaca) is a plant belonging to the Mauritanian flora that is known for its therapeutic properties and traditional use. However, there is limited documentation on the physicochemical composition and potential uses of this plant. The overall objective of this study is to analyse the physicochemical composition of the plant's fruits and explore ways to enhance their value. In fact, this study was articulated on three steps: firstly, we focused on the chemical investigation of the Aqueous (AQ) and Ethanolic (EtOH) extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile fruits. Then, we examined its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Finally, the possibility of transformation of fruit pulp into jam was established followed by the analysis of total phenolic compounds of the latter product. Results highlighted that the jam had the highest total polyphenol (expressed in mg EAG/g DM) and flavonoid (expressed in mg QE/ g DM) content (297.87 ± 1.7 mg EAG / g DM; 12.74 ± 0.6 mg QE/g)), followed by the AQ extract (71.87 ± 1.2 mg EAG / g DM; 4.9 ± 0.1 mg QE/g DM) and the EtOH extract (63.64 ± 0.8 mg EAG / g DM; 0.44 ± 0.007 mg QE/g DM). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured by their IC50 values, which ranged from 10.96 ± 1.7 to 14.27 ± 0.6 µg/mL for the jam, AQ, and EtOH extracts, respectively. Regarding antibacterial activity, the EtOH extract exhibited significant bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 35150 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, with Inhibition Zone Diameters (IZD) ranging from 20.25 to 31 mm, respectively. The jam produced was free from total coliforms, yeasts, and molds, indicating its high hygienic quality and suitability for consumption. Panelist that contributes to the sensory analysis found the jam to be enjoyable.