Estimation of nutritive composition of Sauropus androgynus (Multivitamin plant) at different growth stages and position of leaves

Abstract

A study was designed to estimate the nutritive composition of Chekkurmanis (Katuk) leaves on two different growth stages viz., 60 & 120 days after planting and two different positions viz., terminal and basal whorls in plants. Utilization of green leafy vegetables differs from leaves of annuals and shrubs to leaves of trees. Katuk leaves rich in vitamins and minerals are known as protective food. The results of the study showed that Vitamin C, Protein, Calcium, Carbohydrate contents increased with the growth stages from 60 to 120 days. In contrast, Vitamin A content decreased as the plant approached 120 days. There is a significant difference in nutritive value from 60 to 120 days. Vitamin A was observed to be significantly high (4.11 mg/100g) in terminal whorl at 60 days after planting compared to 3.01 mg/100g in the terminal whorl at 120 days. Higher Vitamin A (5.12 mg/100g) was observed in basal whorl leaves at 60 days after planting, while Vitamin C (220.41 mg/100g), Protein (4.99 g/100g), Calcium (4.16%), Carbohydrate (9.83 g/100g) were observed in basal whorls on 120 days after planting. In conclusion, the basal whorls had more embedded nutritive value than the terminal whorl leaves. This study reveals that nutritive composition of Sauropus androgynus mainly depends on the growth stages and leaf position in the plant.