Underutilized Leafy Vegetables Research Articles

Potential of Selected Underutilized Leafy Vegetables Against CCL4 Induced Oxidative Stress on Wistar Rats

Nutritional immunology might become even more important in prevention of disease. Underutilized leafy vegetables are the richest source of many bioactive compounds especially phenolic compounds with excellent antioxidant properties. Increased consumption of diets containing leafy vegetables may give positive results to human health. The underutilized leafy vegetables which includes Indian pennywort, Sessile joyweed, Red amaranth, Red spinach, Asiatic day flower, Indian sorrel, Roselle leaves are quantified for its phenols, flavonoids and vitamins contents by HPLC-LC MS method. The phenols, flavonoids and vitamins ranged from 0.186 – 12014 µg/g, 0.018 – 785.25 µg/g and 0.361 – 18466.56 ng/g in the underutilized leafy vegetables. Based on the bioactive compounds present, herbal preparations are developed and evaluated for hepatoprotective property against CCL4 induced intoxication in wistar rat model. Biochemical estimation in blood serum (AST/SGOT, ALT/SGPT, ALP, Total bilirubin) and antioxidant enzyme estimation in liver homogenate (SOD, GOD, LPO) showed positive results to reduce hepatotoxicity in CCL4 intoxicated wistar rat model. This exploration can helps in addressing importance of bioactive components present in underutilized leafy vegetables in combating various degenerative diseases and also proved the nutraceutical potential of leafy vegetables. Further which can be used for development of functional foods with the present pre-clinical data.

The Impact of Salinity in the Irrigation of a Wild Underutilized Leafy Vegetable, Sonchus oleraceus L.

Introducing non- or under-utilized crops to cultivation generates benefits such as biodiversity enrichment, supporting mitigation actions towards climate change-induced effects. The salinization of soil and water supplies is progressively disrupting natural habitats and food production, especially in regions such as the Mediterranean. Sonchus oleraceus L. is a Mediterranean wild leafy green with nutritional and medicinal properties. This study's purpose was to determine whether salinity affects the growth, quality, and nutrient composition of Sonchus oleraceus L. In an unheated plastic greenhouse, seedlings were transplanted in pots filled with perlite and irrigated with a nutrient solution with no NaCl added (the control, C) or with the addition of 40, 60, 80, and 100 mM of NaCl (treatments S4, S6, S8, and S10, respectively). The leaf and root growth, leaf quality, and the nutrient composition of leaves and roots were determined. Regarding the results, growth was mainly affected at high salinity levels (S8 and S10), with no observed effects of salinity on the determined quality parameters. The nutrient composition was variably affected by salinity in leaves but not in roots (except in the case of Na and the K/Na ratio). Sonchus oleraceus L. showed a general relative tolerance in moderate salinity levels (40 and 60 mM of NaCl), suggesting potential commercial exploitation of the species in areas where the quality of irrigation water is low. However, the health effects of consuming this species grown under salinity stress need to be studied in future research.

Exploring the Value and Potential to Commercialize Underutilized Leafy Vegetables Found in Karbi Anglong District, Assam, India

The present paper deals with the identification, documentation and exploration of diverse underutilized leafy vegetables consumed by the Karbi tribes of Karbi Anglong District, Assam. The NE region of India is the Gateway to India’s richest biodiversity zones important for the genetic resources’ world over. Genetic diversity of such underutilized leafy vegetables is concentrated or common in Northeast India more particularly in Karbi Anglong Hill District of Assam, which is considered to be one of the hotspots of the biodiversity in the world. The Indigenous and underutilized leafy vegetables are a source of livelihood for the local/ethnic communities of the district. In addition to food security these are also a part of culture and tradition for most of the hill tribes. These underutilized leafy vegetables are mostly found in wild forms as non-timber forest products and other natural habitats though some are domesticated and cultivated. The richness of plant diversity is largely due to ecological diversity superimposed with tribal and ethnic diversification, plant usage and religious rituals. The present paper deals with some of the common underutilized leafy vegetables used by the karbi communities. From the survey conducted in different local markets/weekly markets altogether 30 species belonging to 23 families were reported from the study area. These plant species were found to be morphologically different from each other and were found to important in the Karbi Anglong District of Assam because of their medicinal values and provide economic benefit for the rural poor people. Tabulation has been done according to their Scientific name with families, vernacular name(karbi), plant parts used, common uses, mode of propagation, ITK’s. etc. These plant species are used as vegetables which are having higher nutritional properties than commonly cultivated vegetables. Underutilized leafy vegetables and wild edible plants constitute an essential part in variation of diet and bring nutritional security and act as cheap source of healthcare component among ethnic communities. Therefore, there is a need for conducting systematic studies and research-based information on these plant species so as to establish them as economically viable crop. Domestication and bringing into cultivation is the need of the hour for promotion of these herbs beyond their confined locality. Studies on adaptability of these plant species in different environment are also important for their promotion as commercial crop.

Polyphenols in edible plant leaves: an overview of their occurrence and health properties.

Edible plant leaves (EPLs) constitute a major renewable functional plant biomass available all year round, providing an essential source of polyphenols in the global diet. Polyphenols form a large family of antioxidant molecules. They protect against the harmful effects of free radicals, strengthen immunity and stimulate the body's natural defenses thanks to their antibacterial and antiviral functions. This study refers to phenolic compounds from 50 edible plant leaves divided into four categories: green leafy vegetables, underutilized leafy vegetables, leafy spices and leafy drinks. It provides data on the identification, occurrence and pharmacological functions of polyphenols contained in EPLs, and provides a better understanding of trends and gaps in their consumption and study. Certain EPLs, such as moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.), tea (Camellia sinensis L.) and several leafy spices of the Lamiaceae family, reveal important characteristics and therapeutic potential. The polyphenol composition of EPLs makes them functional plants that offer relevant solutions in the fight against obesity, the management of food insecurity and the prevention of chronic diseases.

GC-MS Bioactive Compound Identification, in vitro Nutraceutical and Pharmacological Potential of Underutilized Leafy Vegetable (Ipomoea batatas leaf)

The search for dietary sources with potent biological activities has increasingly attracted considerable attention. Sweet potato leaves (SPL) are considered to be a leafy vegetable consumed by humans, which is not currently widely used, despite it possession drought tolerance, and the ability to grow in different climates and farming systems. This study evaluated the in vitro Nutraceutical and Pharmacological potential of underutilized leafy vegetable (Ipomoea batatas leaf). The phytochemicals, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; mineral and vitamins compositions of the leaf were carried out using standard method. The bioactive compounds in Ipomoea batatas were identified using GC-MS. The results of the GC-MS profiling revealed n-Hexadecanoic acid (23.43%), Cyclotrisiloxane, hexamethyl (17.73%), and 16-Pregnenolone (11.30%) as the most abundant bioactive compounds in Ipomoea batata leaves. The mineral analysis showed that Ipomoea batata leaves contains favorable amount of macro elements such as Ca (915.40±9.50), K (2083.30±15.00), P (511.26±4.70), Mg (271.25±7.20), Na (9.98±1.06) and considerable amount of trace elements such as Fe (10.60±1.30), Mn (2.55±0.27), Zinc (2.70±0.11), and Cu (1.32±0.08) in which all were measured in miligram per 100g (mg/100). The vitamins such as of Vitamin A, vitamins C, vitamin E, niacin (B3), thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), vitamin D and vitamin K are present in trace amount in the leaves. The in vitro antioxidant activities of the extract showed a significant (p<0.05) dose dependent free radical scavenging activities. The anti-inflammatory analysis showed that the percent inhibition of hemolysis (20–100 µg/mL dry weight basis) was within the range of 4.1% to 18%. Percent inhibition of protein denaturation was within the range of 29.0–71.0%, Proteinase inhibitory activity was within the range of 16–30.0% and the lipoxygenase inhibition was within the range of 8.2–34.5%. This study provide validation for the usage of Ipomoea batatas leaf as new leafy vegetable with appreciable nutritional values and also provided credence to the bioactive compounds in leaf as potential novel drug candidate for pharmaceutical industries.

Comparison of Agronomic Parameters and Nutritional Composition on Red and Green Amaranth Species Grown in Open Field Versus Greenhouse Environment

Previously, researchers have not paid attention to indigenous African leafy vegetables such as nightshade and kale, however, amaranth species have recently gained popularity due to their adaptability to various climatic conditions and their cultivation in both open fields and hydroponics. Amaranth species are ranked among the underutilized leafy vegetables with medicinal properties, economic values, nutritional and health benefits. This study aimed to compare the growth parameters and nutritional composition of two consumed red (Amaranthus Cruentus L.) and green (Amaranthus Graecizans L.) amaranth species in South Africa, cultivated in an open field versus a greenhouse. The findings showed a high chlorophyll content and large leaf area under open field conditions on red and green species. The number of leaves and stem height were higher in the greenhouse cultivation system. In open field cultivation, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, aluminium, copper and manganese for both species were significantly higher whilst potassium, sodium, boron, sulphur were significantly higher in the greenhouse production. The sufficient total nitrogen and ash were recorded in the open field production, and no significant difference was observed between the open field and greenhouse on moisture and ash content of A. Cruentus. In conclusion, A. Cruentus and A. Graecizansn grown in an open field had higher proximate and mineral composition over the greenhouse cultivation system.

Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Extracts from Three Underutilized Food Plants of North East India.

Three underutilized leafy vegetables Sarcochlamys pulcherrima (Roxb.) Gaudich (SP), Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. (IA) and Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC (ZR) were extracted with different solvents viz. 95 % ethyl alcohol, methanol and hot water. The extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant potential via DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay along with electroanalytical studies using cyclic voltammetry. The antidiabetic potential was determined by recording their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) based phytochemical profiles of the extracts were also determined. All three extracts of SP exhibited significant antioxidant capacity. The antidiabetic potential of the IA and ZR extracts was found to be higher than or at par with that of standard acarbose. LC/MS studies reveal the presence of hitherto reported antioxidant and antidiabetic compounds like gamma-aminobutyric acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, α-viniferin, piperlonguminine, niacin, kaempferol, etc., in the extracts.

Proximate, mineral, vitamin, and anti-nutrient contents of the leaves of Senecio biafrae

Micronutrient malnutrition is a global challenge. However, there are promising opportunities for combating it through the consumption of neglected and underutilized leafy green vegetables. Senecio biafrae is an underutilized and nutrient-rich green leafy vegetable with huge nutritional and health potentials that have remained unexploited. The aim of this research was to evaluate the proximate, mineral, vitamin, anti-nutrient contents of the leaves of Senecio biafrae. Leaves of Senecio biafrae were collected from five communities in Ekiti State and analyzed using standard biochemical methodologies. The results showed that the leaves differed significantly in nutritional and anti-nutritional contents. The leaves were rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and low in fat and anti-nutrient contents for all the groups studied. The Pearson?s correlation results showed that most of the nutritional parameters either had inverse or no relationships with anti-nutrients. The crude protein showed significantly positive correlations with dry matter (0.90**) and a negative correlation with cyanogenic glycosides (-0.90**). Cyanogenic glycosides showed significantly negative correlations with potassium (-0.63**), calcium (-0.66**) and dry matter (-0.44*). Nitrate showed no significant relationship with any nutritional parameter. Oxalate and tannin showed no significant relationship with the vitamins. Phytate and tannin showed no significant relationship with the proximate contents and minerals. The results showed that Senecio biafrae leaf is nutrient-rich and could help to mitigate the effects of micronutrient deficiencies. The variations and relationships among the nutritional and anti-nutritional parameters could enhance meaningful selection and nutritional quality through breeding.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Phytochemicals in Methanolic Extracts of Five Underutilized Leafy Vegetables

Leafy vegetables are important for their nutritive and medicinal values. However, many of them are less explored and underutilized. The present study evaluates the antioxidant and antibacterial activities present in five underutilized leafy vegetables such as Alternanthera philoxeroides, Boerhavia diffusa, Enydra(=Enhydra) fluctuans, Glinus oppositifolius and Suaeda maritima. Methanolic extracts from leafy edible parts of these plants possessed diverse phytochemicals. Of these plants, the polyphenol contents like total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC) and total tannin (TTC) were the highest in E. fluctuans with significant variations concerning other plants. Also, the antioxidant activities of E. fluctuans were greater comparing other plants; the parameters were the total antioxidant activity (TAA), ferric reducing power assay and ability to scavenge DPPH, ABTS and superoxide radicals. The effect of varying extract-quantities revealed the highest antibacterial activity of the E. fluctuans extracts with substantial inhibition zones against six bacterial strains. Accordingly, the E. fluctuans extracts showed the lowest MIC (2.75±0.35 mg ml-1) and MBC (3.50±0.71 mg ml-1), albeit with significant variations with ampicillin. The study highlights that these plants are the untapped repertoires of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials for dietary and therapeutic uses.

UNDERUTILIZED LEAFY VEGETABLES IN WESTERN GHATS REGION FOR NUTRITIONAL SECURITY

An Investigation on “Evaluation of underutilized leafy vegetables for yield and nutritional value” was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, TNAU during 2018- 2019 to determine the performance of underutilized leafy vegetables for growth, foliage yield and their nutritional content. Fifteen underutilized green vegetables used by the native people were collected and studied for their development, yield, and nutritional parameters. The results showed significant variations for different characters. The highest fresh foliage yield was registered in the Alternanthera bettzickiana. Ascorbic acid content was highest in Acalypha indica with lower fiber content. Carotenoid content and sodium content were recorded maximum in Hibiscus cannabinus. Total phenolic content was detected highest in G13 Sauropus androgynus. Potassium and copper content was showed a maximum in Cardiospermum halicacabu. Magnesium and manganese content was noticed highest in Talinum fruticosum. Zinc and calcium content was registered maximum in G15 Solanum trilobatum. Iron content was observed maximum in Alternanthera sessilis

Dietary Fibre and Micronutrient Potential of Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetable Sprinkles on Selected Foods

Considering the rural poor in developing countries like Nigeria, diets that are deficient in dietary fibre and micronutrients are common. Food diversification or dietary modifications such as increased consumption of vegetables may solve the problem. This study assessed the dietary fibre and micronutrient levels of selected starchy foods (jollof rice and yam porridge) using three underutilized green leafy vegetables, namely, Ebolo (Crassocephalum crepidiodes), Odu (Solanum nigrum L), and Yanrin (Launaea teracifolia L) as sprinkles. Fresh samples of Crassocephalum crepidioides, Solanum nigrum L, and Launaea teracifolia were purchased from Ota market. The leafy parts of the vegetables were washed, cut, oven-dried at 90°C for 6 h and pulverized. Jollof rice and porridge were cooked and 2g each of dried ebolo, odu and yanrin were sprinkled on 100g of each food and stirred thoroughly. Total dietary fibre, as well as iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) content of the resultant diets, were determined using standard methods. The highest total dietary fibre of 8.45% was obtained in jollof rice sprinkled with Yanrin. Zn (31.75mg/kg) was highest in jollof rice sprinkled with Yanrin, and Fe (87.75mg/kg) in porridge sprinkled with Ebolo. The underutilized vegetables added more nutritional values to jollof rice and yam porridge as Ebolo, Yanrin and Odu were sprinkled on them.
 Keywords: Underutilized vegetables, dietary fibre, micronutrient, zinc, iron

A robust and novel methodology for the optimal targeting of leafy vegetable mix soup formulations

This article addresses a mathematical optimization approach to facilitate the systematic transformation of few underutilized leafy vegetables (Ipomoea aquatica Forssk, Lagenaria siceraria and Basella alba) of North-East (NE) India into a sensory and nutritionally rich vegetable soup. The methodology involved a combinatorial optimality of moisture, antioxidant activity and vitamin C content of the dried vegetables mixtures through individual or co-drying methods. Thereafter, for a fixed choice of reconstituted soup formulation, sensory and rheological evaluations were targeted through trial and error based variations in the vegetable mix to corn flour ratio. Thereby, the first step enabled the determination of near optimal formulation to that corresponding to individual drying and necessitates upon a dry vegetable mixture consisting of low moisture content (3.21%), high vitamin C (110.38 mg/100 g) and antioxidant activity (80%) characteristics. The second step enabled the identification of 4:6 ratio of vegetable mix and corn flour with 1:20 solids to water ratio to obtain the best sensory characteristic of 8.4 out of 9. The reconstituted soup exhibited shear thinning pseudo-plastic flow behaviour. Thereby, the article affirms upon the relevance of such practical and viable methodology for the development of low cost vegetable soup formulations using under-utilized horticultural produces of NE India.

Development of carrot and beetroot greens incorporated instant chutney powder

The low cost, underutilized vegetable processing and value addition is very much important to minimize huge post-harvest losses to a greater extent for nutritional security of large section of population. In present study instant chutney powder was developed by using underutilized leafy vegetables such as carrot leaves and beetroot leaves with different ratios which were feasible to mix as ready to eat instant chutney powder. The carrot and beetroot leaves were blanched for 3 minutes and then dried for about 10-12hours. The dried carrot and beetroot leaf powder was added to standard chutney powder in different ratio and subjected to sensory evaluation. The standard powder is added with different ratios of carrot leaves and beetroot leaves. The best combination which was selected is CBCP2 (1:2 ratios of carrot leaves and beetroot leaves). It was noted that 50% of standard mix when mixed with 50% of both carrot leaves and beetroot leaves was accepted better rather than only standard powder.

Underutilized leafy vegetables of India and their pharmaceutical value to provoke human immune system

The greens otherwise called as leafy vegetables are rapidly growing vegetables and are ready for market in a short period of time. Traditional underutilized leafy vegetable crops are inexpensive, easy to cook, and packed in phytonutrients including minerals which are essential for the metabolic processes and protection of our body as well. A large number of leaves from perennial trees, aquatic plants and terrestrial annuals are consumed especially in rural areas. Leafy vegetables plays significant role in alleviating micronutrient deficiency. In India, a good number of such underutilized leafy vegetables which are indigenous to India or being cultivated for a long time have proteins, vitamins, dietary fibres, minerals and phytonutrients needed for human beings. These are embedded with nutraceutical as well as phramaceutical components which are essential for human wellbeing. Some of the leafy vegetables are also recognized for their medicinal value too. This review deals with the underutilized leafy vegetables consumed locally in Indian villages; their nutrition and medicinal values.

Antioxidant compounds, antioxidant activities, and mineral contents among underutilized vegetables

ABSTRACT Natural sources may be a method to introduce antioxidants in the human diet. Portulaca oleracea L., Peperomia pellucida L., and Trianthema portulacastrum L are underutilized leafy vegetables. The plants may be sources for total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), total carotenoid (TCC), and β-carotene but information is lacking. Antioxidant activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and macro- and microminerals contents were investigated in P. oleracea, P. pellucida and T. portulacastrum. Trianthema portulacastrum had the highest TPC (1.34 ± 0.13 mg∙g−1), TFC (0.58 ± 0.08 mg∙g−1), TCC (0.14 ± 0.01 mg∙g−1), and β-carotene (0.94 ± 0.18 mg∙g−1) values. The antioxidant activity and FRAP assay were highest in P. oleracea (0.91 ± 0.09 mg∙g−1); the DPPH assay for P. pellucida was highest (IC50 = 7 µg∙mL−1). The amount of K was highest in P. oleracea (55.470 ± 0.481 g∙kg−1). The amount of Mn was highest in P. pellucida (0.251 ± 0.002 g∙kg−1). The individual underutilized vegetables may be able to supply some antioxidant compounds and mineral contents for the human diet.

Studies on the performance and phytoremediation effect of underutilized leafy vegetables in salt affected soils

Phytoremediation is a biological approach proving the efficiency of plants to desalinize the soil. Soil phytodesalinisation is based on the capacity of some halophytes to accumulate enormous sodium quantities in their shoots. The study on the evaluation of underutilized leafy vegetables along with amaranthus in salt affected soils for leaf yield and phytoremediation effect was carried out at HC&RI (W), Trichy from 2017-19. Portulaca oleraceae (Paruppukeerai), Chenopodium album (Chakravarthi keerai) Sesuvium portulacastrum, Tetragonia tetragonioides and Amaranthus (CO2 Mulai keerai and PLR1 Sirukeerai) were utilized in the study. The leafy vegetables show significant difference in plant height, number of leaves and total biomass per plant. The leaf stem ratio showed no significant difference among the leafy vegetables. The leafy vegetables differ significantly for protein, fibre content and RWC. The yield per plot was significantly higher in Chenopodium album. The pH and EC of the soil at the start and end of the trial revealed that there was reduction in pH and EC content of the soil in the Portulaca and Chenopodium grown field indicating their phytoremediation effect. This indicated that the sodic soils can be utilized for growing the under utilized leafy vegetables like Paruppu keerai, Chakravarthi keerai, Newzealand spinach and Palak. The study also indicated that the crops Portulaca, Chenopodium and Palak are potential crops for mitigation of sodic soils. Repeated cropping of these crops until the soil reaches acceptable levels will help the farmers to utilize their lands for regular crops.

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Characterization of Leucas aspera and evaluation of antioxidant activities before and after being subjected to digestion enzymes

ABSTRACTLeucas aspera (Willd.) Link is an underutilized leafy vegetable which has not been adequately characterized for its nutraceutical and antioxidant properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to profile the extract. The tissue had free radical scavenging activity and contained the bioactive compounds rutin, swietenine, 2-isoprenylemodin and 6-methoxyflavone that contribute to overall antioxidative potency. Because of in vitro digestion, there was a decrease in phenols and flavonoids by 14.73% and 17.76%, respectively, with no cumulative decrease in free radical scavenging activity after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The plant could be an important source of beneficial bioactive compounds with antioxidative activities that are retained after in vitro digestion.

Nutritional Profile, Proximate Composition and Health Benefits of Colocasia esculenta Leaves: An Underutilized Leafy Vegetable in Nigeria

Nutritional Profile, Proximate Composition and Health Benefits of <i>Colocasia esculenta </i>Leaves: An Underutilized Leafy Vegetable in Nigeria

Ethnobotanical survey and genetic conservation of underutilized leafy vegetables in Lagos, Nigeria

Many of the leafy vegetables used for food in Nigeria are neglected and underutilized. To assess their diversity in Lagos State, an ethnobotanical survey and genetic conservation was carried out to preserve indigenous knowledge on their usage and conserve their DNA for future use. This involved collection of leafy vegetables from eight different markets in Lagos followed by semi-structured questionnaire-guided interview and extraction of DNA samples. Three hundred respondents participated in the study comprising 81.67% female and 18.3% male. A total of 19 leafy vegetables belonging to 18 genera and 14 plant families were documented. About 52.6% of the documented leafy vegetables are restricted to southern Nigeria, while 47.4% are available and used nationwide. All the collected samples yielded high molecular weight DNA; these have been deposited at the University of Lagos DNA bank. The purity of the samples was also high with exception to that of Crassocephalum cerepidioides and Heinsia crinata . This work has contributed to the preservation of knowledge on leafy vegetables in Lagos and conservation of their DNA can be seen as a first step in the genetic conservation of the samples serving as a basis upon which other research can be based. Keywords : Biorepositories, Ethnobotany, Indigenous Knowledge, Leafy Vegetables, NUS.