PRELIMINARY COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FOUR BOTANICALS USED IN THE TRADITIONAL MEDICINES OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

In present study, the proximate parameters and nutrient profile of four medicinal plants viz., Datura innoxia, Adhotoda visica, Solanum surattens, and Acacia nilotica (leaves and roots) were determined through standard procedures of AOAC and Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES DV 7300, Perkin Elmer, USA). In proximate parameters, significantly higher (p<0.05) ash content and crude fats was observed in Datura innoxia as compared to other medicinal plants. The concentration of fiber was highest in Adhotoda visica (42.186%) and lowest in Solanum surattens (18%). The highest energy value was recorded (329.11 Kcal/100g) for Acacia nilotica (roots), while protein and carbohydrates were significant in S. surattens. The concentration of the macronutrients ranged from 54.242 to 97.468 ng/g for calcium, 27.552-97.468 ng/g for potassium, 3.457-21.707 ng/g for magnesium, 6.546-9.136 ng/g for sodium, 2.617- 8.976 ng/g for potassium and 0.047-0.74 ng/g for sulfur. In conclusion, D. innoxia and S. surattens were found to be a good source of ash, fats, fiber, carbohydrates and macronutrients (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and Si), which can be considered for healthy life besides their medicinal values.