Proximate analysis, elemental profiling and antioxidant activities of Tupistra nutans wall grown in Sikkim Hills, India

Abstract

Tupistra nutans Wall has been the plant of economic importance in Sikkim located at North eastern hill region of India. The inflorescence is cooked as vegetable or processed as pickle for consumption. Though not fully validated, inflorescence of the plant is reported to have anti diabetic properties and fetch higher price in the market. The present investigation revealed substantially high nutrient profile with 22.59% Crude fat, 6.55% crude fibre, 0.36% total protein, 0.43% ascorbic acid. In analyzing essential and non- essential element, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium were found in abundance. Potassium: sodium ratio was high. Tupistra nutans Wall, can be considered as one of the most potent plants to for exploring it as nutraceutical.