Nutritional Components Research Articles

A systematic review exploring the variation in the compositional make‐up and phytochemical constituents of wheatgrass and pulse microgreens as a function of diverse growing condition

AbstractThe wheatgrass and pulse microgreens have gained popularity for their concentrated phytochemical content. However, the variability in growth parameters and compositional constituents of wheatgrass and pulse microgreens is dependent on the prevailing environmental conditions. Nowadays, wheatgrass and pulse microgreens are used as culinary sources or incorporated into various food products and consumed by a large proportion of the global population. Therefore, it is necessary to review the impact of growth conditions to meet the increased demand. This will allow breeders to adjust their cultivation techniques according to consumer preferences for specific nutritional components. This systematic review seeks to provide an analysis of the available literature on the variation in growth and compositions of wheatgrass and pulse microgreens as the influence of diverse growing conditions. The growth of wheatgrass and pulse microgreens can be influenced by a range of growth conditions, such as variations in light intensity, temperature, nutrient availability, and cultivation techniques. The variation in growth and compositional components, in terms of proximate composition and certain constituents such as chlorophyll, antioxidants, minerals, phenolic compounds, and secondary metabolites, is discussed in relation to the changing cultivation parameters as published in recent studies. However, this review only covers the compositional make‐up of wheatgrass and pulse microgreens. There remains a need to summarize the compositional profiles of other microgreen species under various conditions. Ultimately, this review illuminates the promise of emerging superfoods and underscores how their growth and composition can vary depending on cultivation methods, ultimately impacting their capacity to promote health. In addition, there is a need to establish dose–response relationships to address various diseases. Therefore, additional research may be warranted.

Ameliorative effect of α-tocopherol and curcumin against the deleterious effects of hydrogenated (thermally oxidized) rice bran oil in rats

Rice bran oil (RBO) is known for its health benefits due to its high content of natural antioxidants like tocotrienols, tocopherols, and oryzanols, which combat oxidative stress and inflammation. However, repeated heating of RBO above 110°C leads to degradation, forming harmful oxidative components and reducing its antioxidant content. This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term consumption of thermally oxidized RBO on rats and the potential protective effects of curcumin and α-tocopherol supplementation. RBO was subjected to oxidative degradation through repeated frying cycles at temperatures ranging from 100°C to 180°C for 45 days. Physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of the oxidized RBO were analyzed. In vivo experiments evaluated serum biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters, along with oxidative and inflammatory responses in rats fed with oxidized RBO for 45 days. Results showed that thermal oxidation at 180°C significantly altered the chemical composition of RBO, increasing oxidative markers and reducing nutritional components. Consumption of oxidized RBO led to decreased body weight gain, elevated levels of various biochemical markers indicating liver and kidney dysfunction, hyperlipidemia, and increased oxidative and inflammatory damage in rats. However, supplementation with curcumin and α-tocopherol effectively mitigated these harmful effects. In conclusion, long-term consumption of thermally oxidized RBO negatively affects health parameters in rats, but fortification with curcumin and α-tocopherol helps alleviate these adverse effects

Effectiveness and Feasibility of Home-Based Palliative Care Interventions for Geriatric Oncology Patients: A Systematic Review Using Narrative Synthesis.

Due to an urgent need to develop palliative care services for geriatric patients with advanced cancer, an overview of available information regarding home-based palliative care interventions would be valuable. To summarize current literature for interventions targeted to homebound, older patients with incurable cancer, and investigate whether these patients can be benefited from home-based palliative care and achieve improved outcomes. A search strategy consisting of terms related to home care, palliation, oncology, and geriatrics was employed. A protocol following PRISMA guidelines was prospectively uploaded at PROSPERO (ID = CRD42023404675). Pubmed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials.gov, and Epistemonikos.org databases were searched from inception until the present day. Eligibility criteria were selected based on the research question, the population of interest, and the research design. The Risk of Bias Assessment Tool version 2 (RoB-2) was used to appraise study quality. A total of 10 articles including 871 patients (out of 1236 titles and 141 fully-reviewed texts) were selected. Four studies assessed exercise interventions, two evaluated multi-component home-care models, two focused on supervision services, and two had nutrition and activity components. Eight studies reported improved outcomes in either specified or mixed cancer geriatric populations. There is a scarcity of clinical trials regarding home-based palliative care for geriatric oncology patients, resulting in poor information and a lack of evidence. At-home interventions seem feasible and have a positive effect on pain management and functional status, but more high-quality studies are required.

Analysis of nutritional components and extracts in Castanopsis hystrix seeds

Analysis of nutritional components and extracts in Castanopsis hystrix seeds

Determination of the Best Performing Sri Lankan Maize Landraces Based on the Kernel Nutritional Composition

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely cultivated cereal crops in the world as well as in Sri Lanka. Data on the nutritional composition of maize is beneficial for the food and feed industry, but there is a lack of information regarding this avenue in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the suitable landraces with higher nutritional composition among the different landraces by evaluating nutritional parameters using the rank summation index. The maize kernels derived from 42 local landraces were used and the responses were with varieties Bhadra (Control) and Pacific. The proximate composition was analyzed using Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and carbohydrate content and energy were determined using the calculation method. Subsequently, the data were analyzed by performing ANOVA and the rank summation index (RSI) to identify the best performer among the landraces. The results revealed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) among the nutritional components for moisture, ash, fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and energy among the tested landraces. Accordingly, the maize landraces SEU 22, SEU 31, and SEU 2 were identified as the superior germplasms regarding nutritional composition compared with Bhadra, as they exhibited the lowest RSI of 85, 88, and 89, respectively. Therefore, these maize landraces were recommended for future breeding programs for the development of nutritionally enriched maize grains and for sustainable production where land limitation is a challenge.

Nutritional Value and Productivity Potential of the Marine Microalgae Nitzschia laevis, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Isochrysis galbana.

Microalgae are considered promising sustainable feedstocks for the production of food, food additives, feeds, chemicals and various high-value products. Marine microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Isochrysis galbana and Nitzschia laevis are rich in fucoxanthin, which is effective for weight loss and metabolic diseases. The selection of microalgae species with outstanding nutritional profiles is fundamental for novel foods development, and the nutritional value of P. tricornutum, I. galbana and N. laevis are not yet fully understood. Hence, this study investigates and analyzes the nutritional components of the microalgae by chromatography and mass spectrometry, to explore their nutritional and industrial application potential. The results indicate that the three microalgae possess high nutritional value. Among them, P. tricornutum shows significantly higher levels of proteins (43.29%) and amino acids, while I. galbana has the highest content of carbohydrates (25.40%) and lipids (10.95%). Notwithstanding that P. tricornutum and I. galbana have higher fucoxanthin contents, N. laevis achieves the highest fucoxanthin productivity (6.21 mg/L/day) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) productivity (26.13 mg/L/day) because of the competitive cell density (2.89 g/L) and the advantageous specific growth rate (0.42/day). Thus, compared with P. tricornutum and I. galbana, N. laevis is a more promising candidate for co-production of fucoxanthin and PUFAs.

Anti-nutrient factors, nutritional components, and antioxidant activities of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) as affected by genotype, seed traits, and their interactions

This study explored how genotype, seed color, and seed weight affect major biochemical components in 95 faba bean accessions. Genotype variation significantly affected convicine, total tannin (TTC), total saponin, and total phenol (TPC) contents. Seed color and weight variations affected several parameters, with their interaction significantly affecting convicine, total vicine-convicine content (TVC), TTC, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and antioxidant activities. Genotype interaction with seed weight and seed color also significantly affected convicine, TVC, TPC, oleic acid, linoleic acid, PUFA, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Vicine, dietary fiber, total fat, crude protein, palmitic acid, and stearic acid contents remain unaffected by these factors. Multivariate analysis showed that brown and small beans had distinctive characteristics. Overall, this study demonstrated the connection between biochemical components, genotype, and seed traits in faba beans. Therefore, these factors should be considered when choosing faba bean genotypes for use in the food industry and breeding programs.

Investigation of Proximate Composition and Bioactive Components in Banana (Musa acuminata) Peels Using Advanced Analytical Techniques

Background: Banana peels, often considered waste, contain valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds. This study investigates the proximate composition and bioactive components of banana (Musa acuminata) peels using advanced analytical techniques. Materials and Methods: Banana peels were collected from household wastes and processing facilities, washed, dried, and ground into fine powder. Proximate analysis was performed to determine moisture, carbohydrate, ash, crude fiber, protein, and crude fat content using standard methods. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to identify and characterize bioactive components and functional groups. Results: The proximate composition revealed moisture (7.36 ± 0.37%), carbohydrate (23.15 ± 0.05%), ash (12.11 ± 0.09%), crude fibre (30.53 ± 0.77%), protein (16.42 ± 0.45%), and crude fat (10.43 ± 0.67%). GC-MS analysis identified various bioactive compounds, including 13-Docosenoic acid methyl ester (12.67%), 1-Docosene (12.63%), and Octadecanal (9.45%). FT-IR analysis indicated the presence of functional groups such as alkane (2746.688 cm^-1), ester (1888.360 cm^-1), and primary amine (3514.793 cm^-1). Conclusion: Banana peels possess significant nutritional and bioactive components, making them a potential resource for various industrial applications. The study highlights the importance of valorizing banana peels for nutritional and therapeutic uses.

Molecular Aspects in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes and Possible Preventive and Complementary Therapies.

The incidence of diabetes, including type 2 diabetes (T2DM), is increasing sharply worldwide. To reverse this, more effective approaches in prevention and treatment are needed. In our review, we sought to summarize normal insulin action and the pathways that primarily influence the development of T2DM. Normal insulin action involves mitogenic and metabolic pathways, as both are important in normal metabolic processes, regeneration, etc. However, through excess energy, both can be hyperactive or attenuated/inactive leading to disturbances in the cellular and systemic regulation with the consequence of cellular stress and systemic inflammation. In this review, we detailed the beneficial molecular changes caused by some important components of nutrition and by exercise, which act in the same molecular targets as the developed drugs, and can revert the damaged pathways. Moreover, these induce entire networks of regulatory mechanisms and proteins to restore unbalanced homeostasis, proving their effectiveness as preventive and complementary therapies. These are the main steps for success in prevention and treatment of developed diseases to rid the body of excess energy, both from stored fats and from overnutrition, while facilitating fat burning with adequate, regular exercise in healthy people, and together with necessary drug treatment as required in patients with insulin resistance and T2DM.

Metabolomic analysis unveils the dynamic alterations in metabolite profiles in different accessions of Mungbean sprouts

Despite the high nutritional value and active components present in mungbean sprouts, the influence of different accessions on their nutrition remains unclear. Two accessions with pronounced differences in germination experiments were selected in this study, as the average fresh weight and root length of Shilv 22 (SL22) seedlings were only 47% and 41% of those of Shilv 17 (SL17), respectively. In order to investigate the metabolic changes that occur during mungbean germination, nontargeted metabolomics was performed with different accessions of mungbean sprouts. The results revealed that SL17 and SL22 accessions had extreme differences on metabolic changes, and amino acids including tyrosine, proline, aspartate and asparagine were considered to serve as potential markers to distinguish the two accessions. SL17 accumulated more vitamin B, flavonoids and phenolic acids than SL22 mungbean sprouts after 60 h, a critical time point of germination. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that caffeic acid, naringenin, kaempferol, apigenin and pinocembrin could be potentially used as crucial active components of mungbean sprouts for future research. This study offers a strong theoretical foundation for producing cost-effective, highly nutritious mungbean sprouts in the market.

Evaluation of Proximate Composition, Cooking Quality, and Texture Profile Analysis in Himalayan Landraces of Black Gram (Vigna mungo).

The black gram is a traditional pulse crop and is a source of different nutritional components. Due to the scientific community's preference for yield and its components, the area of nutritional composition remains unexplored. Therefore, the evaluation of various quality traits such as proximate composition, cooking quality, texture profile, and association between them is keen important for the identification of the traits influencing the selection of the genotypes. This research aimed at the evaluation of the 25 black gram genotypes for their proximate composition, the effect of different cooking methods (conventional and microwave) on cooking quality parameters, and texture profile analysis. The genotypes were screened on 17 parameters, mean and replicated value of each variable were subjected to statistical analysis. The results for proximate composition showed the range from 11.2-11.7%, 24.24-28.22%, 1.25-1.85%, 3.10-4.45%, 5.35-6.60%, 60.23-64.86% and 368.35-372.75 Kcal/100g for moisture, protein, fat, dietary fiber, ash, utilizable carbohydrate, and gross energy respectively. Cooking time ranged from 33 to 55.5min (traditional) to 29.5-48.5min (microwave), L: B ratio from 1.35 to 1.85, WUR from 1.85 to 2.60, and GSL from 0.25 to 11.30%. TPA's cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness ranged from 0.19 to 1.44N, 0.14-1.30N, 0.58-3.67N, 1.14-10.81N, and 0.58-5.29; 1.16-10.50N in traditional and microwave cooking. Chewiness, gumminess, protein, ash, and cooking time were positively correlated. The first seven PCs have ≥ 1 eigenvalues, accounting for 23.30, 18.00, 13.50, 9.50, 7.40, 6.70%, and 6.40% of total variability. Mandi-2, Kinnour-1, Kirmour-1, Kangra-2, Bilaspur-1, Kangra-3, Kullu-1, Kullu-4, Chamba-3, and Chamba-7 to PCs 1-2 contributed the most to diversity, indicating good selection for subsequent upgrading initiatives.

The Comparative Analysis of Peptides in Enteral Nutrition Products and Foods for Special Medical Purposes.

Enteral nutrition (EN) and foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) can be used to meet the specific nutritional needs of patients. There are multiple types of EN products and nutritionally complete FSMPs on the market. The peptides in these products are important nutritional components, while their presence in different products remains unclear. To provide better clinical guidelines, we analyzed and compared the molecular weight (MW) distribution, types, and quantities of peptides and bioactive peptides of two EN products (liquid products) and two FSMPs with nutritionally complete formulas (powder products). Our results showed that each product had a unique peptide profile. The two liquid products and one powder product (Samples 1-3) had a higher content of peptides. Sample 1 contained 75.60% peptides with an MW less than 375 Da and contained 95.21% peptides with an MW less than 1000 Da, being rich in short peptides. Sample 2 and 3 had high levels of peptides with MW values between 180 Da and 2000 Da. Additionally, Sample 4 contained high levels of proteins, containing 69.18% peptides with MW values larger than 10,000 Da. Further, Sample 1 had more bioactive dipeptides and Sample 2 had more long bioactive peptides. Our results suggest that peptides in different EN and FSMP products are very different and should be evaluated in more detail. This will provide valuable information for clinical medical professionals, help them to guide patients with different physiological conditions better, and ultimately benefit patients.

Human milk oligosaccharides produced by synthetic biology

The benefits of human breast milk (HBM) to newborn growth, development, and overall health have been well investigated. As breastfeeding rate has declined significantly, the use of infant formula has risen and remains a significant component of the infant's diet. HBM contains several essential nutritional components, with human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) being the third most abundant following lactose and lipids. A diverse array of HMOs is known to exert great benefits in intestinal, immune, and cognitive functions. In contrast to HBM, infant formula containing mainly bovine milk lacks the diversity of HMOs. Efforts have been made to replicate this characteristic in infant formula through chemical and chemoenzymatic synthesis as well as microbial production. Utilizing microbial hosts appears to be more favourable due to its accessibility and cost-efficiency. Escherichia coli has been preferably used due to its high incorporation of DNA, high-level expression capability, and rapid growth. However, potential endotoxin contamination raises health concerns and prevents approval as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. This prompts the use of other microbes such as Bacillus subtilis. Future research in this area is needed to optimize effective procedures using microbial hosts, high yield production, and economic feasibility. This may lead to infant formulas closely mimicking HBM and its health benefits.

Decoding coffee cardiometabolic potential: Chemical composition, nutritional, and health relationships.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, recognized for its unique taste and aroma and for its social and health impacts. Coffee contains a plethora of nutritional and bioactive components, whose content can vary depending on their origin, processing, and extraction methods. Gathered evidence in literature shows that the regular coffee consumption containing functional compounds (e.g., polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and melanoidins) can have potential beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors such as abdominal adiposity, hyperglycemia, and lipogenesis. On the other hand, coffee compounds, such as caffeine, diterpenes, and advanced glycation end products, may be considered a risk for cardiometabolic health. The present comprehensive review provides up-to-date knowledge on the structure-function relationships between different chemical compounds present in coffee, one of the most prevalent beverages present in human diet, and cardiometabolic health.

Comparative Evaluation of Chemical Composition and Nutritional Characteristics in Various Quinoa Sprout Varieties: The Superiority of 24-Hour Germination.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) sprouts are rich in bioactive compounds that offer numerous health benefits. However, limited research exists on their cultivation, nutritional value, and processing potential. This study compared the nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of quinoa sprouts from different varieties at various time points. Results showed a general increase in most nutrients over time. At the 24 h mark, JQ-W3 exhibited a 17.77% increase in leucine, 1.68 times higher than in eggs, along with a 6.11-fold elevation in GABA content. JQ-B1 exhibited the preeminent antioxidant potency composite (APC) score. Saponins, known for their bitter taste, decreased at 12 h but returned to original levels by 24 h. Based on nutritional components and saponin content, 24 h sprouted black quinoa JQ-B1 and white quinoa JQ-W3 were selected, providing a basis for quinoa sprout development in the food industry. These findings contribute to the understanding and utilization of quinoa sprouts.

Ultrasound-assisted sustainable extraction of bioactive phytochemicals in shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) peel: A DoE and metabolomics combined approach

Fruits and vegetables, essential components of human nutrition, undergo considerable losses and waste during processing. Recognizing this issue, this study delves into the potential use of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) peels, typically discarded by-products, using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), a green and effective method. Employing the Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology, the study optimized extraction parameters, obtaining an extraction time of 10 min, an amplitude of 47%, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:10. The results revealed a broad diversity of potentially bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (isorhamnetin, delphinidin), phenolic acids (sinapoyltyramine), stilbenes (piceatannol 3-O-glucoside), terpenoids (gibberellin), and sulphur compounds (3-ethylthiophene). Notably, the extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Additionally, the study investigated the ability of shallot peel extracts to inhibit key enzymes – alpha-glucosidase (Glu), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and tyrosinase (Tyr) – relevant in carbohydrate metabolism, memory, and skin pigmentation. While demonstrating significant Glu inhibition, no notable AChE or Tyr inhibition was observed. Correlation analysis highlighted the involvement of flavonoids and terpenoids in the bioactivities observed. This research underscores the potential of shallot by-products as a source of valuable compounds with applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Further exploration is encouraged to unveil specific bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant potential and to harness the full potential of shallot by-products in promoting health and sustainability.

Comparison of primary and secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities by solid-state fermentation of Apios americana Medikus with different fungi

This study compared the nutritional components, isoflavones, and antioxidant activities by solid-sate fermentation of Apios americana Medikus (AAM) with seven different fungi. The total fatty acid contents increased from 120.5 mg/100 g (unfermented AAM, UFAAM) to 242.0 to 3167.5 mg/100 g (fermented AAM, FAAM) with all fungi. In particular, the values of total fatty acids were highest (26.3-fold increase) in the FAAM with Monascus purpureus. The amount of total free amino acids increased from 591.69 mg/100 g (UFAAM) to 664.38 to 1603.07 mg/100 g after fermentation except for Monascus pilosus and Lentinula edodes. The total mineral contents increased evidently after fermentation with M. purpureus, F. velutipes, and Tricholoma matsutake (347.36 → 588.29, 576.59, and 453.32 mg/100 g, respectively). The UFAAM predominated isoflavone glycosides, whereas glycoside forms were converted into aglycone forms after fermentation by fungi. The bioconversion rates of glycoside to aglycone were excellent in the FAAM with M. pilosus, M. purpureus, F. velutipes, and T. matsutake (0.01 → 0.69, 0.50, 0.27, and 0.31 mg/g, respectively). Furthermore, the total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities by the abovementioned FAAM were high except for L.edodes. This FAAM can be used as a potential food and pharmaceutical materials.

Effect of different feeding regimens on physiological indicators, intestinal transcriptome, and bacterial flora of mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi)

Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) represents a typical carnivorous freshwater economic fish in China. Recently, the study of their feeding behavior to acclimate formulated diets has become a research focus. This study evaluated the effects of various diets on the body composition, nutritional content, digestive enzyme activity, gene expression, and gut microbiota of mandarin fish. Firstly, no significant differences were found in the muscle's basic nutritional components (moisture, crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash), as well as in the fatty acid and amino acid content, between the live feed group (LFSC) and the compound feed group (CFSC). However, mandarin fish in the LFSC group exhibited significantly higher lipase activity in the liver and intestine compared to the CFSC group, while amylase activity in the intestine showed an opposite pattern. Additionally, intestinal transcriptome analysis revealed 6238 differentially expressed genes and identified several differentially expressed clock genes associated with diet type. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis indicated that different feeding regimens influenced microbial composition, revealing correlations between bacterial genera and intestinal gene expression levels. These findings provided novel insights into the gut microbiota and transcriptomic responses of mandarin fish to different dietary types.

Dietary human milk oligosaccharides reduce allergic airway inflammation by modulating SCFAs level and ILC2 activity.

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a crucial role in the progression of asthma, yet the regulatory mechanisms modulating ILC2 responses in asthma remain underexplored. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), vital non-nutritive components of breast milk, are known to significantly shape immune system development and influence the incidence of allergic diseases. However, their impact on ILC2-driven asthma is not fully understood. Our research reveals that dietary HMOs act as potent inhibitors of ILC2 responses and allergic airway inflammation. Treatment with 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL) significantly reduced ILC2-related airway inflammation induced by papain or Alternaria alternata in mice, evidenced by decreased eosinophil (EOS) infiltration and lower IL-5 and IL-13 levels in BALF. Notably, while ILC2 expresses HMO receptors, HMO did not act directly on ILC2 but potentially modulated their activity through alterations in gut microbiota derived SCFAs. HMO treatments alleviated airway inflammation in SCFA-dependent manners, with SCFA depletion or receptor blocking reversing these beneficial effects. This study reveals the potential of dietary HMOs in managing asthma through modulation of ILC2 activity and the gut-lung axis, proposing a new therapeutic avenue that utilises the immunomodulatory capacities of nutritional components to combat respiratory diseases.

Natural variation in the nutritional composition of African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) from two ecological sites in Northern Malabar, Kerala, India

Adansonia digitata L., commonly known as the African baobab, is an important plant within the Malvaceae family. It is a highly nutritious forest tree and holds a special place in several African countries. Despite its prevalence in Africa, its presence is very limited in India, and only a few individual plants of this species are reported from different parts of India, including Kerala. This study focuses on the plants growing at Ajanur and Thalassery in the Kasaragod and Kannur districts of Kerala, respectively. This study reports natural variation in phytochemicals, minerals, and the proximate components of its flowers and leaves at these locations. The results of this study show that total carbohydrate (28.79 %), crude fibre (10.76 %), and protein (53.09 %) content was higher in leaves at Ajanur. In contrast, chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid content were highest in leaves at Thalassery and showed a value of 39.03 mg/g, 16.65 mg/g, and 13.21 mg/g, respectively. The highest quantity of elements viz. Ca, Zn, K, Fe, Cu, Ni, and Cr were reported in leaves from Thalassery, whereas Mg and Mn were abundant in the leaves from Ajanur. Flowers from Ajanur demonstrated a superior nutritional index, while Thalassery leaves exhibited a higher mineral index. Assessment of antioxidant activity indicated the highest DPPH scavenging activity in the leaves from Ajanur (IC50 = 102.57 μg/mL) and the highest ABTS scavenging activity in its flowers from Thalassery (IC50 = 62.74 μg/mL). The differences in nutritional components and antioxidant properties of the baobab from these two ecological sites underscore the role of ecological factors in its natural variation. Although it is an important forest food tree in the African continent, its potential contribution towards food security from the Indian subcontinent remains untapped.