Nutritional and Phytochemical Analysis of Leafy Vegetables from Konkan Region, Maharashtra

Abstract

The objective of present study is to identify the leafy vegetables traditionally utilized by local communities, in rainy season who reside at the rural areas of Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra region. The study conducted in this respect to analyze four leafy vegetables from study region at monsoon. Highest moisture content was recorded in Chlorophytum tuberosum followed by Commelina benghalensis. Ash content is a measure of the mineral elements present in food and ranged from 2.3-14.3%. A good amount of protein was seen in the vegetables, being maximum in Colocasia esculenta (11.1%). Chlorophytum tuberosum (10.48%) maximum amount of carbohydrates was recorded followed by Colocasia esculenta (8.19%). Crude fiber content ranged from 11.4 to 16.8% in different vegetables and was highest in Chlorophytum tuberosum. Lipid content ranged from 2. 53-5.9% in all four vegetables. Two vegetables namely Chlorophytum tuberosum and Smithia sensitiva had the maximum calcium content i.e. more than 1000mg/100g. Phosphorus content in the vegetables ranged between 62 to 117mg/100g Highest content of magnesium was noticed in Chlorophytum tuberosum (216mg/100g). Total antioxidant capacity was found to be highest in methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Smithia sensitiva (388.29 mg/g and 386.90 mg/g respectively). Key words: Wild vegetables, Nutritional content, Mineral content, Total antioxidant capacity, Phytochemical analysis