Evaluation of nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of Capsella bursa-pastoris, a wild vegetable from potohar region of Pakistan

Abstract

Capsella bursa-pastoris has been analyzed for nutritional composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential to reveal its nutraceutical and medicinal importance. Methanol and chloroform extracts were used for preliminary phytochemical analysis following quantification of total phenolic, flavonoid, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. Antioxidant activity was determined by using DPPH, phosphomolybdate, and reducing power assays. Proximate and elemental analysis was performed by using standard methods. Brine shrimp larvae assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of chloroform and methanol extract. Chloroform and methanol extract of the plant indicated the presence of 1.56×10-4 mg g-1 and 1.28×10-4 mg g-1 phenolic, respectively. The plant was found to have high carbohydrate and protein contents. The high-level mineral composition was determined containing Potassium, Sodium, Iron, Zinc, and Copper. Results of antioxidant activity by the DPPH method indicated IC50 of 235.37 μg ml-1 and 552.01 μg ml-1 for chloroform and methanol extract, respectively. Brine shrimp larvae assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity resulting LD50 of 246.4469 μg ml-1 and 169.85 μg ml-1 of methanol and chloroform extract, respectively. The study inferred that C. bursa-pastoris could serve as a good source of protein and energy as well as micronutrients in the form of a leafy vegetable for human consumption.