Evaluation of nutritional and antioxidant status of Lepidium latifolium Linn.: a novel phytofood from Ladakh

PLoS One. 2013 Aug 2;8(8):e69112. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069112. Print 2013.

Abstract

Lepidium latifolium Linn. (perennial pepperweed) is one of the preferred phytofoods among cold arid region of Ladakh, India and its leaves contribute significantly to people's diet. This study was conducted to determine its nutritive value and antioxidant activity. Plant samples from three different locations were selected in the present study. Results showed that this plant is an excellent source of glucosinolates, notably sinigrin that is present in very high amount (∼70-90%). Its value ranged from 149 to 199 µg per g fresh weight. Fatty acid composition analysis showed that its leaves were abundant in unsaturated fatty acids, specifically linolenic acid (18∶3) whose percentage is about 50%. Higher glucose and crude protein along with higher nitrogen to sulfur ratio, supplements the nutritive value of this plant. Based on total phenol, flavanoids, free radical scavenging activity and DNA protective activity showed that this ecotype of perennial pepperweed contains high antioxidant properties. The percentage inhibition for O2(-) scavenging activity ranged from 41.3% to 83.9%. Higher content of phenols (26.89 to 50.51 mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry weight) and flavanoids (38.66 to 76.00 mg quercetin equivalents per g dry weight) in leaves could be responsible for the free radical scavenging activity of this plant. Depending upon the location of the plants, variations were observed in different activities. Based on the systematic evaluation in this study, preparations of Lepidium latifolium from Ladakh can be promoted as substitute to dietary requirements.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Fatty Acids / analysis
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Glucosinolates / analysis
  • Lepidium / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*
  • Plant Roots / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Fatty Acids
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Glucosinolates
  • Plant Extracts

Grants and funding

Financial support to the present study was provided by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India, under CSIR- networking project (BSC-0109) on ‘Plant Diversity: Studying adaptation biology and understanding/exploiting medicinally important plants for useful bioactives (SIMPLE)'. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.