Antioxidant and nutritional potential of some underutilized leafy vegetables consumed by tribals of Jharkhand, India

Abstract

In the present study, 20 species of local underutilized leafy vegetables commonly consumed by tribals of Jharkhand, India have been identified through market survey of seven districts of the state. Among the leafy vegetables sold in fresh form, Amaranthus gangeticus was found highest in quantity followed by Amaranthus viridis, Ipomoea aquatica, Chenopodium album and Basella alba. Amongst those sold in dried form, Cassia tora was found highest in quantity followed by Vangueria spinosa and Ipomoea batatas. The leafy vegetables were found to be rich in antioxidant activity, vitamin C and various minerals.