Nutritional Assessment of Cassia tora Leaves from Different Regions in Rajasthan

Abstract

Cassia tora is a wild undershrub with edible leaves used by local people in the preparation of leaf based dish, commonly known as “sag”. Nutritional analysis of leaves samples collected from different locations of Rajasthan was carried out so as to explore its potential for use as food supplement. Proximate analysis showed maximum fat (4.42%) and protein (15.34%) in samples from Banswara. Samples from Pali were rich in sugar (11.2%). Maximum ash (17.71%) and vitamin C (84.24 mg/100 g) was found in Dungarpur samples. The leaves were found to be a rich source of micronutrients. Results showed that these could be used as dietary supplement for rural and urban population.