Micronutrient analysis of some wild underutilized plants from the Ladakh region, India and their potential role in addressing nutritional deficiencies
摘要
Wild edible plants have garnered significant attention as a valuable supplement to cultivated vegetables, offering an accessible and nutrient-rich source of essential mineral elements. In this study, the leaves of underutilized species such as Cicer microphyllum Benth., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds., Rumex patientia L., Taraxacum officinale L., Sonchus oleraceus L. and Urtica dioica L. from Ladakh, known for their edibility but scarcely documented in the scientific literature, are comprehensively analyzed for their mineral composition. The analysis revealed that potassium was the predominant macro-element in the studied plants, followed by calcium, with moderate levels of magnesium, silicon, and sulfur. Among the micro-elements, iron emerged as the most abundant, with notable amounts of manganese, copper, and zinc also observed. Additionally, the plants exhibited significant levels of vitamins, with Sonchus oleraceus being particularly rich in vitamin A, while Hippophae rhamnoides showed high concentrations of vitamins C and E. The findings highlight the nutritional potential of these underutilized species as valuable sources of essential minerals and vitamins. These plants hold great promise not only for addressing nutritional gaps, particularly in regions with limited access to diverse food sources, but also for promoting sustainable food systems. Their adaptability to harsh climates and no cultivation requirements make them a critical resource for enhancing dietary diversity and fostering food security in remote and ecologically fragile areas like Ladakh.