COMPREHENSIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL, NUTRITIONAL, MINERAL AND ANTI-NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA LINN. ROOTS FOR MEDICINAL AND NUTRACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS
*1Jayanthi Bhima, 2Abul Kalam Azad S., 3Haseena S., 4Vishal Kumar K., 5Thara Devi T. S., 6Vijaya Narasihma Reddy G.
ABSTRACT
Background: Plant-based medicines constitute the basis of many modern pharmaceuticals, and numerous traditional medicinal plants continue to attract scientific interest due to their therapeutic potential. Boerhavia diffusa Linn. is an important medicinal plant extensively used in the Ayurvedic system for the management of various ailments. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical profile, proximate composition, nutritional value, mineral content, and anti-nutritional factors of Boerhavia diffusa Linn. to substantiate its medicinal and nutraceutical importance. Methods: Aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and chloroform extracts of Boerhavia diffusa Linn. were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening and quantitative estimation of major bioactive constituents. Proximate analysis was carried out to determine moisture content, fiber, bulk density, ash values, and extractive values. Nutritional assessment included estimation of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins, along with mineral composition (macro- and micro-elements) and anti-nutritional factors. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, whereas cardiac glycosides were absent in all extracts. Quantitative analysis showed higher concentrations of flavonoids (7.15 g/100 g) and phenols (5.35 g/100 g) compared to alkaloids (0.533 g/100 g). Proximate analysis indicated a high total ash content (21.70%), reflecting a rich mineral profile. Nutritional evaluation revealed appreciable carbohydrate (12.84 mg/g) and protein (6.42 mg/g) contents with low fat levels (2.05 mg/g). Mineral analysis identified magnesium (138.2 mg/100 g) as the predominant element. Conclusion: The comprehensive evaluation confirms that Boerhavia diffusa Linn. is rich in bioactive phytochemicals, essential nutrients, and minerals, with acceptable levels of anti-nutritional factors. These findings support its traditional medicinal use and highlight its potential as a standardized natural drug and nutraceutical for future pharmacological and clinical studies.
Keywords: Boerhavia diffusa Linn.; Phytochemical analysis; Proximate composition; Nutritional evaluation; Mineral analysis; Medicinal plant.
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