Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii (Stapf) Diels., an African underutilised indigenous fruit

Abstract

Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii commonly known as Serendipity berry is one of the African indigenous fruits that has received poor attention from scientific research and funding even though it is a reservoir of many nutritional and medicinal potentials. In Nigeria, as well as in other African countries, Serendipity berry fruit is known as a tasty sweetening protein fruit. The berries contain a water-soluble and highly sweet protein called “Monellin” or “Serendip” which is one of the sweetest known naturally-occurring substances in fruits of plants. Monellin is up to 3,000 times sweeter than sucrose, with its precursor coming from protein and not carbohydrate as in sucrose. Monellin could be used as a substitute to sugar for diabetics, dieters and for a healthier life style. It has the potential of being utilised in the formulation of food and drugs to enhance the diets of other vulnerable groups. Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii is threatened and could go into extinction if appropriate actions for its propagation, production and conservation are not undertaken immediately. Currently, there is dearth of information on the consumption patterns, cultivation, management, advocacy for its valorisation and sustainable conservation of its genetic resources.