Analysis of nutrients and minerals of some wild edible plants

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the nutritional and mineral composition of selected vegetables, which are commonly used as food in Pakistan. Amaranthus thunbergii, Caralluma edulis, Allium astrosanguineum, Rumex patientia and Portulacca olaracea were collected from the arid region of South Waziristan Agency (FATA), Pakistan and subjected to nutrient analysis.Nutrient analysis (total proteins, fats, carbohydrates, ash, energy value and moisture contents) of vegetable species were determined according to AOAC methods. Minerals viz. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) elements were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometric method.The range of crude protein, fat, Ash, Moisture (dry matter), Carbohydrate and fiber was observed in the range of 17.18-24.44%, 5.98-6.84%, 22.45-30.53%, 3.19-5.32%, 18-34.7% and 9.8 17.11%respectively. The level of Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg and Mn was in the same 2.31-5.84 µg/100g, 0.062-0.694 µg/100g, 0.55-0.936 µg/100g, 5.296-11.63 µg/100g, 5.162-5.74 µg/100g and 0.86-1.91 µg/100g respectively.The results indicate that all these vegetables have the potential to provide essential nutrients to the human beings. Amaranthus thunbergii, Caralluma edulis and Portulacca olaracea were found to be a good source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, hence capable of providing energy to the consumer. These species were found significantly useful in terms of mineral sources, particularly Fe, Ca, Zn, Cu and Mg.