Nutritional Attributes and Bioprospects of Leaves, Fruits and Seeds of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.

Irani Biswas, Ambarish Mukherjee, Subrata Laskar

Abstract


Nutritional aspects of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L., a well known ethno-medicinal plant of India were investigated with an objective to establish its  capability of tackling issues of food security too. Analyses of nutritional composition using standard methods of food analysis and comparison with recommended dietary allowances (RDA) reveal that the plant leaf is a good source of protein, dietary fibre, ascorbic acid, essential minerals like K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe and absence of sodium proclaims its use as a diuretic. Oils obtained from leaf, fruit and seed revealed the presence of fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid, nervonic acid, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids of which eicosapentaenoic acid and linoleic acid are potent antioxidants in association with ascorbic acid, phenols and tannins which are also present in appreciable amounts. Apart from nutritional benefits, the plant has the prospect of combating skin diseases like dermatitis, atopic eczema, hair fall etc, as source of natural antioxidants and essential fatty acids for maintaining skin health and formulation of cosmetic products whereas the seed oil may be used as bio-fuel for its significant oil content after proper transesterification and processing.

Keywords


Antioxidants; Fatty Acids; Food Security; Non-conventional Vegetable; Nutraceutical

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