Abstract

This study was aimed to assess the nutritional potential of an unexplored wild edible plant,Digera muricata (L.) Mart. commonly used as food in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The nutritional, vitamins, minerals and trace elements were investigated, using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Nutritional assessment included determination of moisture, ash, lipid, fiber, protein, carbohydrate, and energy. Among the nutrient values, fiber was found to be the highest, followed by ash, carbohydrates, moisture and protein. Lipid was present in very small quantity. The vitamins analyzed were found to have greater value for riboflavin than retinol. Among the macro minerals, potassium was present in high concentration than sodium. The trace elements were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and their decreasing order was Fe>Zn>Mn>Co>Ni. Two toxic metals, Pb and Cd were present in very minute quantities. From the results it was suggested that D. muricata (L.) Mart. is a useful plant and can be used as food.

Key words: Digera muricata (L.) Mart., nutritional evaluation, vitamins, minerals, Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC).