Abstract
This study presents the proximate and mineral composition of Peperomia pellucida L., an underexploited weed plant in Malaysia. Proximate analysis was performed using standard AOAC methods and mineral contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated Peperomia pellucida to be rich in crude protein, carbohydrate and total ash contents. The high amount of total ash (31.22%) suggests a high-value mineral composition comprising potassium, calcium and iron as the main elements. The present study inferred that Peperomia pellucida would serve as a good source of protein and energy as well as micronutrients in the form of a leafy vegetable for human consumption.
Highlights
Peperomia pellucida L. (Piperaceae), a common annual weed native to tropical North and SouthAmerica, is pantropic in distribution and is abundantly available in Malaysia
In other parts of the world, it is known as pak-krasang (Thailand), càng cua (Vietnam), pansit-pansitan or ulasimang bato (Philippines), silverbush, man-to-man, pepper elder or rat ear (North America), kaca-kaca or surukan (Indonesia), usuba sunakosho (Japan), alumbre or erva-de-vidro (Spain), mashitandu chedi, pononoa, toyakandha or varshabhoo (India), pépéromie or herbe à couleuvre (France) and luchi pata (Bangladesh)
This study was, carried out to determine the proximate composition and mineral contents in P. pellucida whole plant collected from Malaysia
Summary
Peperomia pellucida L. (Piperaceae), a common annual weed native to tropical North and South. Khan et al [5,6] reported a dose-dependent depressant effect and antipyretic effect of P. pellucida leaf comparable to standard aspirin, while Mutee et al [4] presented the potential use of the plant as an antioxidative agent. Arylpropanoids, peperomins and patuloside A (which is a type of xanthone glycoside) exhibited antifungal, anticancer and antibacterial activities, respectively [10,11,12]. It is an edible plant and is frequently used as a leafy vegetable or condiment in many parts of the tropics. Egwuche et al [13] reported the proximate and mineral composition of P. pellucida leaf. This study was, carried out to determine the proximate composition and mineral contents in P. pellucida whole plant collected from Malaysia
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