Amaranthus Lividus Research Articles

소면적 재배작물인 당귀밭에 발생하는 잡초현황과 잡초에 의한 피해

Investigation on weed flora in Angelica gigas upland fields was conducted to understand the current status of the weed flora and establish the control measures. Investigation was conducted twice, July and October in 2015. From this investigation, 105 species of 37 families including 27 exotics were identified and classified into 53 species of annuals, 24 species of biennials and 28 species of perennials. Dominance was the highest with Digitaria ciliaris, followed by Portulaca loeracea, Chenopodium album, Cyperus iria, Conyza canadensis, Galinsoga ciliata etc. in order. Chenopodium album was the highest in importance analysis and the followings were in order of Conyza canadensis, Galinsoga ciliata, Amaranthus lividus, Taraxacum offcinale etc. The yield of A. gigas was reduced 49.6% in no weeding plots comparing in weed managed plots.

소면적 재배작물 구기자밭에 발생하는 잡초현황

Investigation on weed flora in Lycium chinense upland fields was conducted to understand the current status of weed flora and establish the control measures. Investigation was conducted twice, May and June on 2015. From this investigation, 91 species of 30 families including 27 exotics were identified into 36 species of annuals, 28 species of biennials and 27 species of perennials. Dominance was the highest with Portulaca loeracea followed by Digitaria ciliaris, Stellaria media, Oxalis corniculata, Acalypha australis, Chenopodium album, Cyperus iria etc. in order. Chenopodium album was the highest in importance analysis and the followings were in order of Conyza canadensis, Conyza bonariensis, Senecio vulgaris, Amaranthus lividus, Sonchus asper etc.

Assessment of antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activity of two vegetable species of Amaranthus in Bangladesh.

BackgroundAmaranthus (Amaranthaceae) has previously been reported to possess different bioactive phytochemicals including phenols, tannins and flavonoids. The current study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-proliferative and antimicrobial activity of stem and seed extracts of Amaranthus lividus (AL) and Amaranthus hybridus (AH), respectively.MethodsAntioxidant activity of methanol extract was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Determination of lectin activity of Amaranthus extract was carried out using hemagglutination assay on mouse blood. A total of thirty six Swiss albino mice containing Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were treated with AL and AH extract at 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml/day/mouse for six days. Growth inhibitory activity was determined by haemocytometer counting of EAC cells using trypan blue dye and DAPI (4΄,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining was used to assess apoptotic cells. Gene amplification study was conducted to observe the expression pattern of p53, Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 mRNA using PCR (polymer chain reaction) technique. In vitro susceptibility of five pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus was detected using disk diffusion assay.ResultsThe radical scavenging assay indicated that AH and AL possesses potent antioxidant potential, exhibiting IC50 value of 28 ± 1.5 and 93 ± 3.23 μg/ml, respectively. Hemagglutination assay revealed that AH and AL agglutinated mice blood at 1.565 and 3.125 μg/wall, respectively. Administration of AH and AL extract led to 45 and 43 % growth inhibition of EAC cells, respectively at 100 μg/ml with marked features of apoptosis including cell shrinkage, condensation of cytoplasm and aggregation of apoptotic bodies etc. Up-regulation of p53, Bax and caspase-3 and down-regulation of Bcl-2 mRNA in Amaranthus treated mice indicated mitochondria mediated apoptosis of EAC cells in comparison with control. None of the bacterial species showed susceptibility to the extract of both the Amaranthus species.ConclusionOur current findings suggest that both of the Amaranthus species have strong antioxidant, lectin and anti-proliferative activity on EAC cells. The current anticancer potential was observed due mainly to the mitochondria mediated apoptosis of EAC cells.

Effect of bentonite on heavy metal uptake by amaranth (Amaranthus blitumcv. Pusa Kirti) grown on metal contaminated soil

A pot culture experiment was conducted to assess the effect of bentonite application on heavy metal uptake by amaranth (Amaranthus blitum cv. Pusa Kirti). Amendment of soil with bentonite @ 2.5% significantly improved the plant growth by 76.5 and 41.7% in first and second harvest, respectively. The metal concentration of amaranth reduced by 6.5 & 21.2% for Zn, 30.5 & 29.9% for Cu and 34.4 & 40.2% for Ni at first and second harvest, respectively on application of 2.5% bentonite. Amending the soil with bentonite (2.5%) significantly decreased the bioconcentration factor (BCF) of metals by 74 and 28% for Zn, 38 and 36% for Cu, 44 and 34% for Ni at first and second harvest, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) for metal uptake through consumption of amaranth was significantly reduced by application of bentonite @ 2.5% as it immobilises heavy metals in polluted soil.

Neuroprotective effect of Amaranthus lividus and Amaranthus tricolor and their effects on gene expression of RAGE during oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells.

Amaranthus plants, or spinach, are used as food sources worldwide. Amaranthus leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds, which act as free radical scavengers. Oxidative stress caused by the aberrant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) represents an important mechanism for neuronal dysfunction and cell loss in different neurodegenerative disorders. The neuroprotective effects of antioxidant-containing plants have been extensively demonstrated in different models of neurotoxicity. However, few studies have investigated the antioxidant properties of Amaranthus extracts and their effect on the nervous system. In the present study, the leaves of Amaranthus lividus and Amaranthus tricolor were extracted using petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and methanol. Results indicated that antioxidant activities were the highest in methanol extracts from both kinds of Amaranthus leaves. In addition, oxidative stress was induced in human neuroblastoma cell lines (SH-SY5Y) by using H2O2. Intracellular oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and gene expression of RAGE were then determined. In vitro results demonstrated that pretreatment with A. lividus and A. tricolor extracts can significantly decrease cell toxicity and intracellular ROS production in SH-SY5Y cells. Interestingly, the extracts also significantly downregulated the expression of oxidative stress genes such as HMOX-1, RAGE, and RelA/ NF-κB. Our results suggested that Amaranthus leaves may be useful for reducing oxidative stress and may be beneficial for age-related diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.

우리나라 밭작물 재배지 잡초 발생 및 분포현황

우리나라 밭에 발생하는 잡초를 조사하여 각 작목별 문제잡초의 현황을 파악하고 잡초방제의 기초자료로 활용하기 위하여 2014년 4~5월 및 7~8월에 2회 실시하였다. 밭에 발생하는 잡초는 총 50과 375종으로 국화과 73종, 화본과 44종, 마디풀과 25종, 십자화과 21종, 콩과 20종 등의 순이었다. 이들 잡초를 생활형으로 구분하면, 일년생 162종, 월년생 78종, 다년생 135종이었다. 보리, 마늘, 양파 등 동계작물 재배지에는 45과 287종, 고추, 콩, 옥수수 등 하계작물 재배지에는 47과 339종이 발생되었다. 우점도별 상위 10초종은 바랭이, 쇠비름, 깨풀, 흰명아주, 속속이풀, 돌피, 한련초, 중대가리풀, 냉이, 참방동사니 순이었다. 외래잡초는 25과 129종으로 흰명아주, 개비름, 망초, 좀명아주, 미국가막사리, 털별꽃아재비 등이었다. 밭잡초 발생정보는 향후 잡초발생 예측, 잡초군락 변화 그리고 밭잡초 방제의 기초자료로 유용하게 사용될 수 있을 것이다. Surveys of weed species on upland fields were conducted in Korea to investigate the occurrence of weed flora from April to May 2014 for winter crop fields and from July to August 2014 for summer crop fields. From the nation-wide survey, 375 weed species in 50 families were identified and classified to 162 annuals, 78 biennials and 135 perennials. Based on the occurrence ratio, the most weed species belonged to Compositae (73 species). 44 and 25 weed species belonged to Poaceae and Polygonaceae, respectively, and these 183 weed species in the most five families accounted for 49% of total weed occurrence. While 287 weed species in 45 families occurred in the winter crop fields, 339 weed species in 47 families occurred in summer crop fields. The most dominant weed species in Korean upland fields were Digitaria ciliaris, followed by Portulaca oleracea, Acalypha australis, Chenopodium album, Rorippa palustris etc. 129 weed species in 25 families were considered as exotic weeds. Based on the importance analysis, the highest value was C. album followed by Amaranthus lividus, Conyza canadensis etc. This information could be useful for estimation of future weed occurrence, weed population dynamics and establishment of weed control methods in upland fields of Korea.

Cultivated plants in medieval Kraków (Poland), with special reference to amaranth (Amaranthus lividus L. cf. var lividus) and ruderal communities

Abstract This paper summarises archaeobotanical studies of plant macroremains derived from medieval town deposits of Kraków, focusing on cultivated plants. Correspondence analysis was used in interpreting the botanical data and their archaeological context. Changes in cultivated plant composition were connected mainly with the chartering of the town under Magdeburg law in 1257, and are discussed in terms of their temporal relation to the chartering of Kraków and possible changes in the food preferences and wealth of the residents. Millet and wheat remains are rarer in specimens from after the establishment of the town; this seems connected mainly with the relocation of the mills outside the city walls. The number of cultivated plants generally increased in the late medieval samples, but hop and mallow were more frequent in the tribal period than later. Problems in the definition of cultivated plants are discussed. The probable escape of cultivated amaranth (Amaranthus lividus L. var. lividus) from gardens to ruderal communities is indicated in the samples. A comparison of archaeobotanical data from written sources shows the incompleteness of both types of source, including the clear underrepresentation of some cultivated plants in the archaeological deposits of the town (especially peas, Pisum sativum), a deficiency which should be considered in other archaeobotanical and palaeodietary studies.

Factors Determining the Host Range of Two Tortoise Beetles, Cassidanebulosa L. and C. piperata Hope (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Japan

We investigated the relationship between host-plant use by two tortoise beetles, Cassida nebulosa and C. piperata, in a field and their performance under laboratory conditions. Sixteen plant species were grown in the experimen- tal field with C. nebulosa being observed to grow on three chenopodiaceous species (Chenopodium album, C. album var. centrorubrum, and C. ficifolium), while C. piperata grew on the same three chenopodiaceous species plus three amaran- thaceous species (Amaranthus blitum, A. hybridus, and A. retroflexus). Host-plant selection in the field was directly corre- lated to the larval growth under laboratory conditions. Thus, the two tortoise beetles selected plant species that were suit- able as larval food under natural conditions. In the laboratory experiments, the survival period of adults and the number of eggs produced showed that adults have wider food ranges than larvae. Therefore, food quality is less important as a limit- ing factor for adults compared to larvae. In addition, the field observation showed that C. nebulosa laid eggs only on suit- able host plant species, whereas C. piperata laid eggs on both suitable hosts and non-hosts.

Protective effect of Amaranthus lividus L. on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Objective: Amaranthus lividus is consumed as popular vegetable in West Black Sea Region of Turkey. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the protective and antioxidant effects of A. lividus on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) induced oxidative stress and acute liver injury in rats. Methods: Male albino Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups: Normal control, A. lividus control, silymarin control, CCl 4 , A. lividus (250 mg/kg)+CCl 4 , A. lividus (500 mg/kg)+CCl 4 , silymarin+CCl 4 . Rats were orally pretreated with A. lividus (250 and 500 mg/kg) or silymarin (25 mg/kg) daily for 9 days before administration of CCl 4 (1.5 mL/kg, 1:1 in olive oil, i.p.). Results: Pretreatment of rats with A. lividus, significantly prevented the CCl 4 induced elevation in the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin and hepatic lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase. In addition, pretreatment with A. lividus significantly prevented the CCl 4 induced depletion in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione level in liver. It has been observed that the hepatoprotective effect of A. lividus was comparable to that of silymarin, a standard drug. Histopathological evaluation of the liver also revealed that A. lividus at 250 mg/kg dose partially suppressed the CCl 4 induced liver damage in rats. Conclusion: Our results indicated that A. lividus has a protective effect against CCl 4 induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats, and this effect might be related to its antioxidant activity.

경기도 밭의 외래잡초 분포

We surveyed the distribution of exotic weeds in the 350 upland crop fields of Gyeonggi-do. The exotic weeds were summarized as 78 taxa including 19 families, 52 genera, 74 species and 4 varieties. Among the total exotic weeds, the summer annuals were 48.7%, the winter annuals 28.2%, and the perennials 23.1%. Compositae was dominant family (32%), followed by Gramineae (8%), Polygonaceae (8%) and Malvaceae (7%). Dominant exotic weeds in northern Gyeonggi-do were Amaranthus lividus, Ambrosia trifida, Chenopodium album, Bidens frondosa and Erigeron Canadensis, and in southern Gyeonggi-do were Chenopodium album, Erigeron Canadensis, Erigeron annuus, Taraxacum officinale and Galinsoga ciliate. The most dominant exotic weeds in the Gyeonggi-do were Chenopodium album, followed by Amaranthus blitum, Erigeron canadensis. Canonical correspondence analysis for investigation of correlation between exotic weeds occurred in northern and southern Gyeonggi-do showed that the exotic weeds in northern Gyeonggi-do were more diverse then in southern Gyeonggi-do. This information could be useful for establishment of exotic weed control methods in Gyeonggi-do.

경기북부 밭 잡초 분포

This study was conducted in order to investigate the distribution pattern of weeds on upland crop field in northern Gyeonggi-do. The weeds were summarized as 201 taxa including 42 families, 129 genera, 178 species, 1 subspecies, 21 varieties and 1 form. One hundred and thirty one species were classified to annual plants, accounting for 65.1% and 70 species were classified to perennials, accounting for the rest of 34.9%. Compositae was dominant family (21%), followed by Gramineae (12%), Polygonaceae (7%) and Brassicaceae (5%). Among the weeds appearing in the fields of northern Gyeonggi-do, the invasive weeds were classified to 62 species in18 families. The most dominant weed species in the fields were Portulaca oleracea, followed by Echinochloa crus-galli, Amaranthus lividus. Detrended correspondence analysis for investigation of occurrence pattern of weeds by crops revealed the occurrence pattern of weed species in adlay field were different from those in other crop fields. This information could be useful for establishment of weed control methods in northern Gyeonggi-do.

Oxidative stress and non-linear threshold (NLT) genotoxic dose responses to ionizing radiation in niger, Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass

Dose-responses of germination and seedling growth of plants namely Amaranthus blitum, Cajanus cajan, Eleusine coracana, Guizotia abyssinica, Lathyrus sativus and Lycopersicon esculentum obtained following γ-irradiation of seeds at a wide range of doses established G. abyssinica (LD50 = 0.32; D50 = 0.17 kGy) as highly radio-sensitive species. Seed-irradiation caused oxidative stress to the emerging seedlings that was evident by the dose-dependent increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS: H2O2, O2 •−, •OH), which in turn also showed good correlation with the dose-dependent induction of cell death, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, protein and non-protein thiols, and antioxidant enzymes activities, in the leaf tissue of G. abyssinica seedlings. The above biochemical endpoints could, therefore, serve as biomarkers of the previous exposure of seeds to ionizing radiation. Furthermore, the highest ineffective threshold (HITD = 0.019 kGy) and the lowest effective threshold (LETD = 0. 021 kGy) doses of ionizing radiation were determined on the basis of induction of cells with chromosome aberration (CA) or micronucleus (MN) in root meristems of the germinating irradiated seeds. The present G. abyssinica genotoxicity assay thus validated the non-linear threshold (NLT) dose-response to ionizing radiation as opposed to the prevailing linear no-threshold (LNT) dose-response concept.

Carbon tetrachloride-induced kidney damage and protective effect of Amaranthus lividus L. in rats.

This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of water extract of Amaranthus lividus L. (A. lividus) (Amaranthaceae) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity in kidneys of rats. For this purpose, male albino Wistar rats were pretreated with A. lividus (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) daily for 9 days and a single dose of CCl4 was applied intraperitoneally (50% in olive oil; 1.5 mL/kg b.w.) on the 10th day. All rats were killed 24 h after CCl4 administration, and kidneys were excised and used for determination of histopathological and biochemical parameters. CCl4 administration caused a remarkable increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione levels and glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities and a decrease in catalase (CAT) activity when compared to the control group. Pretreatment with A. lividus (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.) significantly prevented the elevation in LPO level and MPO activity as well as protected the decrease in CAT activity but did not alter other biochemical parameters. The protective effect of A. lividus was further evident through the decreased histological alterations in kidneys. In conclusion, this study has indicated that A. lividus possesses protective and antioxidant effects against CCl4-induced oxidative kidney damage.

Amaranthus bengalense (Amaranthaceae) a new species from India, with taxonomical notes on A. blitum aggregate

Amaranthus bengalense from lower Gangetic plain of West Bengal (India) is proposed and described as new species for science. It belongs to Amaranthus subgen. Albersia, and is part of the A. blitum aggregate (also including A. blitum s.l., and A. emarginatus s.l.). A morphometric analysis of specimens collected in Europe and India is performed. The new species is clearly distinct from the others being characterized by the following combination of characters: leaves with apex obtuse or slightly emarginate, bracts long as well as the tepals (ratio bract/tepal about 1), tepals acuminate, seed with diameter 0.7–1.0 mm. Finally, a key of the taxa belonging to the Amaranthus blitum aggregate is provided.

Taxonomy and Medicinal Uses on Amaranthaceae Family of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Taxonomy and medicinal uses on the family Amaranthaceae growing throughout the Rajshahi, Bangladesh was carried out during September 2011 to December 2012. A total of 14 species under 8 genera belonging to the family Amaranthaceae were collected and identified. Out of the total number of species Achyranthes aspera L., Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. Ex Roem. & Schult., Amaranthus spinosus L., Amaranthus viridis L., Amaranthus livids L., Amaranthus tricolor L., Amaranthus blitum L., Celosia cristata L., Gomphrena globosa L. were common and Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume., Digera muricata (L.) Mart., Gomphrena celosioedes Mart. was rare species in the study area. For each species botanical name, local name, habit, habitat, phenology, status of occurrence, chromosome number and medicinal uses have been mentioned.

Conversion of solid organic waste into compost using Trichoderma spp. and its application on some selected vegetables

This study was conducted to evaluate the potentiality of Trichoderma species as a bio-conversion agent for composting of solid organic waste and examine the effects of produced composts on the growth of two types of vegetables. The experiments were conducted both in vitro and in vivo processes. In vitro conversion of solid organic waste, the highest height and weight losses were found 42.64 and 31.45%, respectively using Trichoderma harzianum (IES-103) after 30 days of composting. In vivo conversion of solid organic waste for the same strain under aerobic condition, the highest height and weight losses were 33.22 and 61.25%, respectively. In the field application, the highest plant height of Amaranthus lividus (Amaranth Red Leaf) and Basella alba (Malabar spinach) were found 74 and 136 cm after 33 and 45 days, respectively of composting obtained using the strain of Trichoderma harzianum (IES-103). In this study, the results showed that Trichoderma harzianum (IES-103) was the most effective strain on the basis of height and weight loss (%) for the degradation of solid organic waste. It also illustrates that the compost obtained from the fungi Trichoderma harzianum could be used as an effective soil amendment and nutrient source (fertiliser) to improve growth and yields of vegetables.

Interferência de plantas daninhas na cultura do sorgo cultivado em safrinha

O sorgo apresenta grande importância na economia mundial, como fonte de energia para a alimentação humana e animal. No sudoeste Goiano, apesar de esta cultura apresentar alto potencial produtivo, a produtividade é baixa, fato atribuído, em grande parte, à interferência do manejo inadequado de plantas daninhas. Objetivou-se, nesta pesquisa, determinar os períodos de interferência de plantas daninhas sobre a cultura do sorgo cultivado em safrinha, no município de Rio Verde (GO). Os tratamentos foram constituídos por dez períodos de controle inicial, nos quais a cultura foi mantida livre da comunidade infestante, e dez períodos de convivência inicial da cultura com as plantas daninhas. Os períodos iniciais de controle ou de convivência, após a emergência da cultura, foram: 0-0, 0-7, 0-14, 0-21, 0-28, 0-35, 0-42, 0-49, 0-56 e 0-colheita (112 dias após a emergência - DAE). As espécies de plantas daninhas mais importantes presentes na área experimental foram Amaranthus lividus, Commelina benghalensis, Bidens pilosa, Sida rhombifolia, Urochloa decumbens, Digitaria horizontalis e Portulaca oleracea. A presença de plantas daninhas reduziu a altura de plantas, diâmetro de colmo, rendimento de grãos e a massa de mil grãos de sorgo, sendo maior o grau de interferência com o aumento dos períodos de convivência mútua entre a comunidade infestante e o sorgo. Considerando-se 5% de tolerância na redução da produtividade do sorgo, concluiu-se que o período anterior à interferência foi até os 23 DAE, o período total de prevenção da interferência até os 42 DAE e o período crítico de prevenção da interferência dos 23 aos 42 DAE.

Época de aplicación y toxicidad varietal del herbicida amicarbazone en la caña de azúcar, en Veracruz, México

Durante el ciclo primavera-verano 2005, se establecieron tres experimentos en Úrsulo Galván, Ver., México, con el objetivo de determinar la mejor época de aplicación del herbicida amicarbazone en la caña de azúcar en condiciones de riego e identificar la susceptibilidad de las tres principales variedades cultivadas en el estado a este herbicida. En un experimento, se evaluó el control de malezas con amicarbazone a 0,7, 1,05 y 1,4 kg ha‑1 aplicado en cuatro épocas: preemergencia antes del riego de germinación, preemergencia después del riego de germinación, postemergencia temprana y postemergencia tardía. En los otros experimentos, se evaluó la toxicidad de amicarbazone a 0, 0,7, 1,4 y 2,1 kg ha-1, aplicado en preemergencia y postemergencia en las variedades de caña de azúcar Mex 69-290, CP 72‑2086 y Mex 79-431. El quelite rastrero (Amaranthus lividus) fue mejor controlado con aplicaciones postemergentes de amicarbazone, a partir de 0,7 kg ha-1. Por su parte, el control del zacate Guinea (Megathyrsus maximus) fue bajo en todas las épocas de aplicación. En aplicaciones preemergentes, el amicarbazone hasta 2,1 kg ha-1 fue altamente selectivo a todas las variedades evaluadas, mientras que, cuando fue aplicado en postemergencia, ocasionó ligera toxicidad a las tres variedades de caña de azúcar, la cual fue mayor conforme se incrementó la dosis. Sin embargo, los daños desaparecieron entre los 30 y 45 días después de la aplicación y no ocasionaron reducción permanente en la altura de las plantas.

Wild Vegetables Used by Local Community of Makawanpur District and Their Contribution to Food Security and Income Generation

Wild vegetables were collected from forests, home gardens, road sides, fallow lands and farmers’ fields of Makawanpur district. Information regarding local names, seasonal availability, mode of consumption and priority for utilization were gathered by interviews with key informants, traders’ interviews and market survey of study sites. Some of nutritive values including relative importance of wild vegetables were recorded from literature. A total of 68 wild plant species belonging to 58 genera and 40 families were identified as wild vegetables. Of these, 53 species were herbs, 5 climbers, 4 species shrubs, 4 species trees, and 2 species aquatic runners. The wild vegetables were harvested mainly from March to July by women for household consumption and were also sold in the market. Amaranthus lividus, Bambusa tulda, Bauhinia purpurea, Chenopodium album, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Diplazium esculentum, Dryopteris cochleata, Ficus lacor, Ipomoea aquatica, Macropanax dispermus, Phytolacca acinosa, Rorripa nasturtium-aquaticum, Tectaria coduanata, were frequently used as wild vegetables. About 16 wild vegetables were sold in the market. Thus, wild vegetables not only contributed to subsistence and nutritional security of the local people, but also a source of income generation. Despite their importance, these plants have been threatened. The utilization and cultivation of these vegetables should be promoted to maintain the dietary needs of the household in Nepal. This paper attempts to highlight the use and priority of wild vegetables mainly leafy and tender shoot vegetables of Makawanpur district. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 1 (2012) 59-66 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i1.7442

Indigenous Leafy Vegetables: A Potential Source of β-Carotene and Ascorbic Acid

Leafy vegetables provide essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. A survey was conducted in eastern India to document plant species grown for leafy vegetables or collected from field margins or as weeds in other crops that are used as leafy vegetables. Twenty-two plant species belonging to 14 families were recorded as being used as leafy vegetables. Most had high β-carotene and ascorbic acid contents and could be used to alleviate problems of malnutrition and undernutrition. The leaf amaranth (Amaranthus blitum L.) and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsskal) had very high β-carotene and ascorbic acid contents. Further research on their nutritional potential is needed for their conservation.