Nutraceutical evaluation of Acalypha indica L. - A potential wild edible plant

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of a traditional medicinal and wild edible plant Acalypha indica L. Materials and Methods: Qualitative phytochemical analysis was done by prescribed methods, nutritive contents, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids were estimated as per standard methods, quantification of mineral elements was done by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‑AES) technique, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was carried and compared with standard gallic acid and quercetin. Results and Discussion: Plant shows the good concentration of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and lipids. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins. HPTLC analysis was also carried out for the estimation of nutraceuticals and antioxidants. 25 elements were screened by ICP-AES technique, show the presence of Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, K, Na, Al, B, Ba, and Sr in appreciable quantity. Conclusion: A study indicates the presence of remarkable concentration of nutritive content, mineral elements, and phytochemical which provides strong evidence of nutraceutical and antioxidant property of A. indica L. Further, elaborative investigation is needed to validate this plant for its daily consumption as vegetable.