The nutraceutical studies of Gonostegia hirta (Blume) Miq a traditional vegetable from Northeast India

Abstract

The paper deals with the taxonomic details, geographical distribution, and nutritional aspects of Gonostegia hirta used as a vegetable in states of North-east India. This plant is also used as traditional medicine in the treatment of asthma. The plant is also reported from other tropical parts of India. A study was conducted to analyse the nutritional potential of leaves of G. hirta by evaluating carbohydrates, fat, proteins, energy, total ash, and water content by standard methods. However, UHPLC profiling as well as HPTLC was performed using an in-house protocol developed at Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The presence of flavonoids (0.29%.), and phenols (0.021%.), indicates their nutritional and medicinal importance. The biochemical compounds per 100g, like carbohydrates (11.33g), proteins (0.134g), fats (0.65g), total ash (02.72g), moisture content (83.96g), and energy level (56.53kcal). It represent its appreciable nutritional value, especially as a low-fat diet. The study was performed with the objective of nutritional composition analysis, qualitative analysis of secondary metabolite so that it can be recommended for its maximum utilization for edible purposes.