Analysis of complete nutritional profile and identification of bioactive components present in Alocasia indica tuber cultivated in Howrah District of West Bengal, India.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the complete nutritional profile and identification of bioactive components present in the hydro-ethanolic extract of Alocasia indica tuber.

METHODS

The proximate composition and vitamins were assessed from fresh tissue while mineral content was detected from the ash using inductively coupled plasma atomic spectrophotometer. For gas chromatography analysis, the tubers were shade dried and extracted with ethanol using Soxhlet apparatus for 72 h. The extract was dried using rotary evaporator and analyzed for active components.

RESULTS

The tuber was rich in carbohydrate, but marginal in protein content. However, it showed moderate amount of dietary crude fibre, very low fat content and sufficient source of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. The tuber was also found to contain all the essential micro and macro mineral elements. It especially served as a good source of potassium and calcium while moderate source of iron, zinc and magnesium. Gas chromatography analysis also revealed the presence of several components of biological value in the ethanolic fraction of the extract. The extract was basically found to be a good source of poly-unsaturated fatty acids and some amount of polyphenols.

CONCLUSIONS

All the major compounds identified and characterized by spectroscopic method were of biological significance. Besides, the tuber also possesses high calorific value and source for low fat and moderate dietary fibre which is essential for maintaining proper health. Moreover, the mineral content of the tuber can be used as supplement for combating malnutrition especially among rural folk and the vitamin content can serve as good source of natural antioxidant. Thus identification of a good number of important compounds from Alocasia indica tubers can focus on its use for future therapeutic purpose apart from maintaining general health.