Abstract
The global search for natural, accessible antioxidant sources has highlighted the nutraceutical potential of wild edible fruits (WEFs), especially in sub-Saharan Africa where they support food security, traditional medicine, and rural livelihoods. This study investigated the ethnobotanical value, in vitro antioxidant potential, and nutritional composition of selected WEFs from Kontagora Emirate, Niger State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey documented thirty-five species across twenty-five families, and fifteen highly cited species were selected for biochemical analysis. Methanolic fruit extracts were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Proximate composition, antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) and mineral elements were determined using standard procedures. The findings revealed strong species-dependent antioxidant activity. Vitex doniana and Diospyros mespiliformis showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, with 97.12% and 94.81% inhibition at 20 mg/mL, respectively. Hyphaene thebaica and Balanites aegyptiaca demonstrated superior ferric reducing power, recording 176.58 and 165.93 µmol Fe2+/g at 20 mg/mL, respectively. Nutritional analysis showed high carbohydrate content (28.23-65.28%), appreciable protein content, particularly in V. doniana (24.82%), and useful fibre levels. B. aegyptiaca and Adansonia digitata were rich in vitamin C (434.86 and 388.72 mg/100 g, respectively) and vitamin E. Mineral analysis showed nutritionally relevant levels of calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium, with H. thebaica recording the highest selenium concentration (17.07 mg/kg). These results scientifically support the traditional use of WEFs from Kontagora Emirate and position selected species as promising functional food and nutraceutical resources.

Key words: Antioxidant activity; Nutritional composition; Mineral elements; Wild edible fruits; Kontagora Emirate; Nutraceuticals.