Title of article :
Comparative Analysis of Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Aerial Parts of Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn.)
Author/Authors :
Liyanage, Ruvini Division of Nutritional Biochemistry - National Institute of Fundamental Studies - Hantana Road - Kandy, Sri Lanka , Nadeeshani, Harshani Department of Food Science and Technology - Faculty of Agriculture - University of Peradeniya - Peradeniya, Sri Lanka , Jayathilake, Chathuni Division of Nutritional Biochemistry - National Institute of Fundamental Studies - Hantana Road - Kandy, Sri Lanka , Visvanathan, Rizliya Division of Nutritional Biochemistry - National Institute of Fundamental Studies - Hantana Road - Kandy, Sri Lanka , Wimalasiri, Swarna Department of Food Science and Technology - Faculty of Agriculture - University of Peradeniya - Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Abstract :
The present investigation was carried out to determine the nutritional and functional properties of T. cucumerina. Water extracts of
freeze dried flowers, fruits, and leaves of T.cucumerinawere evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content
(TFC), antioxidant activity, 𝛼-amylase inhibitory activity, and fiber and mineral contents. Antioxidant activity, TPC, and TFC were
significantly higher (𝑃 ≤ 0.05) in leaves than in flowers and fruits. A significant linear correlation was observed between the TPC,
TFC, and antioxidant activities of plant extracts. Although, leaves and flower samples showed a significantly higher (𝑃 ≤ 0.05)
amylase inhibitory activity than the fruit samples, the overall amylase inhibition was low in all three parts of T. cucumerina. Soluble
and insoluble dietary fiber contents were significantly higher (𝑃 ≤ 0.05) in fruits than in flowers and leaves. Ca and K contents were
significantly higher (𝑃 ≤ 0.05) in leaf followed by fruit and flower and Mg, Fe, and Zn contents were significantly higher (𝑃 ≤ 0.05)
in leaves followed by flowers and fruits. In conclusion, T. cucumerina can be considered as a nourishing food commodity which
possesses high nutritional and functional benefits for human health.
Keywords :
Comparative Analysis , Nutritional , Bioactive Properties , Aerial Parts , Snake Gourd , Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn
Journal title :
International Journal of Food Science
