The residue was ignited and the ash was weighed after filtration and washing of the residue. The loss in the weight gives the weight of crude fiber.
Determination of percentage carbohydrates
Total carbohydrate content in medicinal plants had been calculated by calculating the difference between other constituents. In this study, the other constituents in the medicinal plants (protein, fat, moisture, ash content) were determined individually, summed and subtracted from the total weight of the food. This is referred to as total carbohydrate by difference and is calculated by the following formula: % of carbohydrates = 100 (Protein + Ash + Moisture + Fat).
Quantitative estimation of Protein
Different dilutions of sample solutions were prepared by mixing BSA stock solution (1mg/ml) and water in the test tube. The final volume of each test tube was made up to 5 ml. The value of BSA ranges from 0.05 to 1.0 mg/ml. From these different dilution, 0.2 ml protein solution was pipette out to different test tubes and 2 ml of Analytical reagent was added (alkaline copper sulfate reagent).
After mixing the solution it was incubated at room temperature for 10 min. Then 0.2 ml of Folin-Ciocalteau reagent solution was added to each tube and incubated for 30 min. The optical density of the blank was taken in the colorimeter (measure the absorbance) At 660 nm. The values of absorbance were plotted against protein concentration to get a standard calibration curve. The absorbance of the unknown sample was checked and the concentration of the unknown sample was determined using the standard curve
Determination of nutritive value
Nutritive value is calculated by, an appropriate amount of crude sample was taken and weighed. Protein, carbohydrate, fats were analyzed by the methods which are discussed earlier in this study. The nutritional value of the plants was calculated as per the formula used by Nile et al.
Nutritive value= 4 × percentage of protein + 9 × percentage of fat + 4 × percentage of carbohydrate
Results of estimation of Total nutritive value of Chakramuni (Sauropus androgynous) is shown in the Table no. 3.
Table 3: Estimation of Total Nutritive values of the Chakramuni (Sauropus androgynous)
Each 100 grams of leaf powder contains
| Calories | 37cal |
|---|
| Protein | 3.9gm |
| Fat | 0.92gm |
| Carbohydrates | 6.3gm |
| Fiber | 3.5gm |
| Minerals | 1.3gm |
Discussion
Sauropus androgynus is an herb with high nutritional and therapeutic potential. The presence of proteins carbohydrates, calories, fat, fiber and minerals makes it an important medicinal and edible herb. Though this drug is not mentioned in Ayurvedic classics but is used as vegetable in day-to-day life. Chakramuni can be considered as highly nutritious green leafy vegetable and must be made mandatory to include it in our diet in order to achieve good health. Other important factors like its significant antioxidant, anti-cancerous, anti- diabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and lactation inducing[3], anti-fungal, anti-tussive, analgesic and antiulcer activities. Scientific research on its cultivation, development of varieties that are nutritionally superior should also be attempted, further extensive in vivo and clinical studies are required to validate its medicinal activities.
Conclusion
The leaves of the Chakramuni (Sauropus androgynous) were collected from its natural habitat. They were screened for the physico-chemical analysis and nutritive values. It showed the presence of Alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins by the physico-chemical analysis. It showed the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibers, minerals and also it is rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C. By this we can include Chakramuni in our diet as a nutrient and vitamin rich food which can act as a great food supplement.
References
1.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318230938_Nutritional_Profile_of_Chekurmanis_Sauropus_androgynus_A_Less_Explored_Green_Leafy_Vegetable
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