Evaluation of nutraceutical potential of some wild plants from Chandigarh and adjoining areas

Abstract

Four plant species, Oxalis martiana, Youngia japonica, Leucas cephalotes and Coronopsus didymus were investigated for nutraceutical potential. FTIR and GC-MS analysis revealed various bioactive molecules. Nutrient analysis revealed maximum carbohydrate content in Y. japonica; proteins, amino acids, dietary fibre and vitamins A, C and E in L. cephalotes. Macro as well as micro minerals were detected in appreciable amount. Permissible amount of antinutrients viz; saponins, cardiac glycosides were present in the studied plant species. Bioactive compounds (terpenoids, tannins, phenolic content) were present in higher amount in O. martiana whereas flavonoids and Hydroxycinnamic acid content was present in maximum amount in L. cephalotes. O. martiana and L. cephalotes exhibited best antioxidant activity through DPPH, H2O2 and Phosphomolybdenum assay. Maximum inhibition of alpha amylase was exhibited by L. cephalotes. Best antibacterial activity, was exhibited by L. cephalotes against S.aureus and S. pyogenes. Out of studied plant species L. cephalotes and O. martiana unveiled good nutraceutical prospective. newline