NICANDRA PHYSALOIDES (L.) GAERTN–A LESS KNOWN WILD EDIBLE FRUIT
Keywords:
Nicandra physaloides, Fruit, Less Known, Wild, EdibleAbstract
Objective: Present study aims to understand the nutritional as well as medicinal potential of Nicandra physaloides fruits.
Methods: Fresh as well as shade dried material was used for estimation of moisture content, crude protein, crude fibres, lipids, fat, reducing and non-reducing sugars, total soluble sugars, starch, total nitrogen, vitamins and antioxidants. Mineral content was estimated in terms of ash yield and further analysis was carried out for qualitative and quantitative estimation of different elements. Material was also screened for presence of bioactive molecules.
Results: The study showed that, N. physaloides fruits were rich in proteins, carotenoids, vitamin–A and vitamin–C. The fruits were also found to be the good source of antioxidants like lycopene, anthocyanin, chlorophyll and phenols. Screening of bioactive molecules showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, tannins, and polyoses which impart medicinal potential to plant.
Conclusion: The study confirmed the nutritional as well as medicinal potential of fruits of N. physaloides. Still more studies are needed on its toxicity.
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References
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