European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

DETERMINATION OF THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF URGINEA INDICA KUNTH.

M.N. Shiva Kameshwari* and Padma. S

ABSTRACT

The ethno botanical information is useful in the conservation of traditional cultures, biodiversity and also for community health care and drug development. In this regard, study was conducted to determine the nutritional values of the bulbs of Urginea indica. The nutritional parameters determined were proximate analysis (moisture, ash, crude fiber, lipid, protein, carbohydrate, food energy value, Acid value, pH and calorific value) and minerals (Silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc and phosphorus). Urginea indica had a significant level of above nutrients and therefore was identified as promising species with good profile of nutrients. These results further reinforced the growing awareness of such wild or semi wild plants in backyard planting to achieve nutritional and medicinal uses.

Keywords: Urginea indica, Silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc and phosphorus, Acid value, pH and calorific value.