Nutritive value of Sauropus androgynus leaves.

Abstract

From the proximate composition of Sauropus androgynus leaf it was observed that its nutritive value is superior to other commonly consumed leafy vegetables in India. In an attempt to popularise this vegetable for human consumption, certain preparations (traditional recipes in Andhra Pradesh, India) were made with the leaf and palatability tests conducted. These tests showed that the leaf was quite acceptable to the consumer. Sauropus androgynus leaf was previously reported to contain considerable amounts of the alkaloid papavarine (580 mg per 100 gm fresh leaf). Excessive consumption of the leaf reportedly caused dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, etc. Before it could be recommended for wide and frequent use, further work on the subject is necessary to set safe levels for its consumption.

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