Variation in nutritional composition of Strychnos spinosa Lam. morphotypes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Fruits of Strychnos spinosa Lam. hold considerable food value within rural communities. However, no study has reported the nutritional profile of S. spinosa morphotypes. Therefore, this study is aimed to determine nutritional variation among the morphotypes. Proximate composition was analyzed using association of official analytical chemists’ methods, and minerals with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The following were the ranges of proximate and nutrient content determined: moisture content (10.29–60.50%); fat (0.95–2.67%); crude protein (2.85–9.19%); ash (4.78–18.05%); carbohydrates (37.39–42.24%); acid detergent fibre (7.94–21.75%), neutral detergent fibre (16.46–42.55%); calcium (0.30–35 mg/100 g); potassium (810–2510 mg/100 g); phosphorus (9–69 mg/100 g); sodium (7–54 mg/100 g); magnesium (9–55 mg/100 g); copper (0.10–2.70 mg/100 g); iron (0.10–5.50 mg/100 g); manganese (0.30–2.43 mg/100 g) and zinc (0.10–0.80 mg/100 g). Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, fat, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, sodium, crude protein showed positive association with principal components. Biplot and dendrogram grouped morphotypes with high and low nutrient content independently. Carbohydrates, protein, calcium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc content of morphotypes were higher than those in commercialized fruits. This species is promising for domestication and commercialization, and thereby contributes significantly towards food security.