Trace elements and antioxidant activity of six wild edible plants that are widely consumed by ethnic tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Six different wild edible plants that are commonly consumed in Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh viz. Polygonum runcinatum, Pilea bracteosa, Elatostema platyphyllum, Gynura bicolor, Plantago erosa and Diplazium esculentum were analyzed for trace elementsand their antioxidantactivities. Iron content was highest in Elatostema platyphyllum whereas, it waslowest in Diplazium esculentum. Zinc and copper content was highest in Plantago erosa. Polygonum runcinatum show high manganese and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content.Chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids content were highest in Elatostema platyphyllum whereas, it was lowest in Diplazium esculentum. The antioxidant activity i.e., Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) by DPPH assay and ABTS assay show highest value in Elatostema platyphyllum.