Determination of Nutritive Value and Mineral Elements of Five-Leaf Chaste Tree (Vitex negundo L.) And Malabar Nut (Adhatoda vasica Nees)

Abstract

<p>This study was undertaken to assess the nutritive value and mineral contents from Vitex negundo<br>and Adhatoda vasica. These two plant species are fairly used as medicine throughout the greater part of India.<br>Adhatoda vasica is used to control pain, inflammation and other related diseases. Leaves of Adhatoda vasica<br>are used for treatment of cold, cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. It was also used by traditional midwives<br>at the time of delivery. The leaves of Adhatoda vasica are extensively used in indigenous medicines remedies.<br>Both the plants contained important macro and micro elements: K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Cr. These elements were<br>found in more quantity in Vitex negundo than in Adhatoda vasica. The leaves of both the plants were analyzed<br>for ash content, moisture, crude fat, crude fibre, crude carbohydrate and crude protein content. The results for<br>percentage of ash content, moisture content, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate and protein were 5.4 ± 0.35,<br>16.50 ± 1.2, 7 ± 0.7, 28.02 +1.03, 8.5 ± 0.45, 13.7 ± 1.04 % respectively for Vitex negundo; and 5.2 ± 1.23, 15.3 ± 0.5, 1.6 ± 0.3, 6.4 ± 0.45, 16.4 ± 0.8, 6.5 ± 0.3 respectively for Adhatoda vasica. The leaves were also assessed<br>for nutritional value. Nutritional value of Vitex negundo was 151.80 Cal/100g and that of Adhatoda vasica was<br>106.00 Cal/100.g.</p>