Academic Journal of Plant Sciences 6 (3): 103-108, 2013
ISSN 1995-8986
© IDOSI Publications, 2013
DOI: 10.5829/idosi.ajps.2013.6.3.11011
Determination of Nutritive Value and Mineral Elements of
Five-Leaf Chaste Tree (Vitex negundo L.) And Malabar Nut
(Adhatoda vasica Nees)
Manoj Kumar, Sukumar Dandapat, Amit Kumar and M.P. Sinha
Department of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi - 834008 , India
Abstract: This study was undertaken to assess the nutritive value and mineral contents from Vitex negundo
and Adhatoda vasica. These two plant species are fairly used as medicine throughout the greater part of India.
Adhatoda vasica is used to control pain, inflammation and other related diseases. Leaves of Adhatoda vasica
are used for treatment of cold, cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma. It was also used by traditional midwives
at the time of delivery. The leaves of Adhatoda vasica are extensively used in indigenous medicines remedies.
Both the plants contained important macro and micro elements: K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Cr. These elements were
found in more quantity in Vitex negundo than in Adhatoda vasica. The leaves of both the plants were analyzed
for ash content, moisture, crude fat, crude fibre, crude carbohydrate and crude protein content. The results for
percentage of ash content, moisture content, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate and protein were 5.4 ± 0.35,
16.50 ± 1.2, 7 ± 0.7, 28.02 +1.03, 8.5 ± 0.45, 13.7 ± 1.04 % respectively for Vitex negundo; and 5.2 ± 1.23, 15.3 ±
0.5, 1.6 ± 0.3, 6.4 ± 0.45, 16.4 ± 0.8, 6.5 ± 0.3 respectively for Adhatoda vasica. The leaves were also assessed
for nutritional value. Nutritional value of Vitex negundo was 151.80 Cal/100g and that of Adhatoda vasica was
106.00 Cal/100.g.
Key words: Vitex negundo
Adhatoda vasica
Nutritive value
Mineral contents
The minerals are obtained from the earth’s crust.
Through the effects of the weather, rocks that contain
minerals are ground into smaller particles, which then
become part of the soil. The mineral content in the soil is
absorbed by growing plants. The plants are consumed by
both animals and human beings as food. This mineral
becomes part of the food chain. The plants absorb much
of the essential elements from the soil in which they grow
and serve as indicators of the materialization and are in
fact used for this purpose [6]. Heavy metals are the matter
of concern in the herbal drugs as certain plants have the
tendency to store them from the soil, polluted water and
atmosphere [7, 8].
Dental caries is one of the most important problems
in public health because of its ubiquitousness in civilized
populations. The prevalence of dental caries in
industrialized countries like India is on the rise because
the treatment is very costly and requires a lot of
manpower thus the prevention at the primary level is the
solution of choice [9]. Nano gram quantities of chromium
INTRODUCTION
Plants have great importance due to their nutritive
value and continue to be a major source of medicines as
they have been found throughout human history [1].
About 30-40% of today’s conventional drugs used in
the medicinal and curative properties of various plants
are employed in herbal supplements, botanicals,
nutraceuticals and drugs [2]. Human beings require
number of complex organic compounds as added caloric
requirements to meet the need for their muscular activities,
carbohydrates, fats and proteins, while minerals and
vitamins form comparatively a smaller part, plant materials
form a major portion of diet; their nutritive value is
important [3, 4]. Human body comprises chemical
compounds such as water, proteins, fatty acids, nucleic
acids and carbohydrates, these in turn consists of
elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and
phosphorus and may or may not contain minerals such as
zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium etc [5].
Corresponding Author: Manoj Kumar Department of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi - 834008, India.
103
Acad. J. Plant Sci.,6 (3): 103-108, 2013
are required in every insulin dependent system. It has
been reported that by acting on ribosome, chromium
facilitates the incorporation of insulin stimulated amino
acid protein [10]. Insulin dependent diabetics excrete more
chromium than the control subjects [11]. Chromium
deficiency has also been held responsible for vascular
complications associated with diabetes mellitus [11, 12].
Zinc plays a role in the synthesis, storage and secretion
of insulin [13, 14]. The high concentration of potassium in
the plants could be related to the diuretic action of the
drug prepared from the plant materials. The high
concentration of Ca and Mg can explain the absence
of side effects as regard to stomach lesions [15, 16].
A number of metal complexes and ligands have been
shown to be chemically useful as anti-tumour and antiviral
agents. In the present study, the inorganic elements
(Fe, K, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn and Cr) of two medicinal plants,
Vitex negundo and Adhatoda vasica were detected.
These plants are used for the treatment of various
diseases and are useful to the users of herbal medicine.
Abundant research work has been carried out on the
organic constituents of the medicinal plants while little
attention has been paid on the role of inorganic elements
in the medicinal use of these plants [17-21]. A literature
survey revealed that trace elements play a significant role
in curing various diseases. It has been found that
alteration of trace elemental homeostasis in an organism
has direct correlation with different pathological
conditions [22]. The present investigation is an attempt to
gain an insight into the trace elemental composition of
Vitex negundo and Adhatoda vasica.
sedative, expectorant and antispasmodic. It was also used
by traditional midwives at the time of delivery. The leaves,
the roots and flowers of Adhatoda vasica are extensively
used in indigenous medicine as remedy for cold, cough,
bronchitis and asthma. It has been reported that
methanolic extracts of plants generally possess terpines
and phenolics.
Collection: The leaves of Vitex negundo and Adhatoda
vasica were collected from Ranchi district of Jharkhand
state during February, 2013.
Powder Preparation: The plant shoot were washed with
deionised water and disinfected with 0.1% HgCl 2 solution
for 5 min and dried in shade to prepare the sample for
mineral analysis, the washed and dried materials were
ground to fine powder with mortar and pestle and used for
dried ashing [23].
Analysis for K and Ca: For analysis of K and Ca the
powdered plant shoot was taken in pre cleaned and
constantly weighed silica crucible and heated in muffle
furnace at 400°C till there was no evolution of smoke.
The crucible was cooled in desiccator at room
temperature. The ash totally free from carbon moistened
with Concentrated H2SO4 and heated on Hot plate till
fumes of sulphuric acid get evolved the silica crucible
with sulphated ash was again heated at 600°C in muffle
furnace till weight of sample was constant ( 3-4 hrs) one
gram sulphated ash were taken in beaker which dissolved
in 100 ml 5% concentrated HCl to obtain solution for
determination of K and Ca through flame photometry
(FPM), standard solution of each mineral was prepared
and calibration curve drawn for each element using FPM
[4].
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Vitex Negundo: Vitex negundo Linn. Belongs to family
Verbenaceae commonly known as Nirgundi. It is a large,
aromatic shrub; with typical five foliate leave pattern
found throughout the greater part of India at warmer
zones and ascending to an altitude of 1500 m in outer,
Western Himalays. The shrub is one of the common
plants used in Indian medicines. It has been claimed to
possess many medicinal properties. It contains various
chemical compounds of various classes such as alkaloids,
tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and tannins.
Determination of Protein and Nitrogen: Determination of
protein and Nitrogen was done using Micro Kjeldahl
method, 1 g of sample of each plant taken in a Pyrex
digestion tube and 30 ml of concentrated H2SO4 carefully
added, then 10 g potassium sulphate and 14 g copper
sulphate. This mixture was placed on sand both on a low
flame just to boil the solution, it was further heated till the
solution becomes colorless and clear, allowed to cool,
diluted with distilled water and transferred 800 ml Kjeldahl
flask, washing the digestion flask. Three or four pieces of
granulated zinc and 100 ml of 40% caustic soda were
added and the flask was connected with the splash heads
of the distillation apparatus. Next 25 ml of 0.1 N sulphuric
acid was taken in the receiving flask and distilled; it was
Adhatoda Vasica: Adhatoda vasica Nees (Acantheceae)
commonly known as vasaka distributed throughout India
up to an attitude of 1300m. The leaves, flowers, fruit and
roots are extensively used for treating cold cough,
whooping cough, chronic bronchitis, asthma and as
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Acad. J. Plant Sci.,6 (3): 103-108, 2013
tested for completion of reaction. The flask was then
removed and titrated against 0.1 N caustic soda
solution using Methyl Red indicator for determination
of nitrogen, which in turn give the protein content
[24].
Determination of Zinc: For determination of Zinc 1g of
sample in 20 ml deionised water were taken and placed in
titration flask and 1ml pure cyclohexylamine was
added, -1.4 V Vs. SCE potential applied to deaerate the
solution and titrated with standard EDTA using a semi
micro burette. From volume of EDTA used concentration
of zinc was determined using the relation 1 ml 0.01 M
EDTA = 0.6538 mg Zn [25].
Determination of Fe: For determination of Iron 1 g of
sample in 125 ml deionised water was taken in conical
flask pH adjusted to 2-3 by using Congo red paper.
About 5 drops of Variamine blue indicator was added then
content was warmed at 400 °C on hot plate and titrated
with standard 0.05 M EDTA the initial blue color
changes to gray just before the end point and final drop
of reagent changes to yellow. Concentration of Iron was
calculated by using the formula 1 mol EDTA = 1 mol Iron
[25].
Determination of Crude Fat: Crude fat were determined
by extracting 1g of moisture free plant material of each
plant with petrol in a soxhlet extractor heating the flask on
sand bath for about 1 hr. This petroleum extract that
contained crude fat, was taken in a pre-weighed beaker
(W1) and petroleum was evaporated. The weight of beaker
along with the residual extract (Crude fat, W2) was taken
and crude fat content of the sample was calculated using
the formula [26].
Determination of Cu: For determination of copper the
titration cell was charged with 1 g. of sample with 10 ml
distilled water, 20 ml of acetate buffer (pH 2.2) followed by
addition of 120 ml of distilled water. Spectrophotometer
adjusted to zero, the solution was then filtered, stored and
titrated with standard EDTA. The absorbance was then
recorded at every 0.50 ml until the value is about 0.20 and
subsequently every 0.20 ml titration continued up to
1.0 ml. The end point observed when readings become
constant. The absorbance plotted against volume of
titrant added; the inter section of the two straight lines
gives concentration of copper in sample which compared
with true value [25]
% crude fat = (W2 - W1) x 100/S
(where S is the weight of the sample)
Determination of Crude Fibre: For determination of crude
fibre, 2g of moisture and fat free material were treated with
200ml of 1.25% H2SO4, after filtration and washing, the
residue was treated with 1.25% NaOH, filtered, washed
with hot distilled water and then 1% HNO3 and again
washed with hot distilled water. The residue was ignited
and the ash weighed. Loss in the weight gives the weight
of crude fiber [26].
Determination of Moisture Content: For determination of
moisture content plant material is kept in pre weighed
watch glass and dried at 150°C over night in an oven.
The sample with watch glass is cooled at room
temperature in a desiccator before weighing, the weight
loss in sample regarded as moisture content.
Determination of Cr: For determination of Chromium
0.50g of sample dissolved in 100 ml distilled water, 20 ml
of 0.1 M Silver nitrate solution followed by 50 ml of
10% solution of ammonium persulphate were added.
The mixture was then boiled for 10 min cooled and diluted
to 250ml in graduated flask up to the mark then 50 ml of
solution removed and 50 ml 0.1M ammonium iron sulphate
solution, 200 ml 1M sulphuric acid and 0.5 ml of N-phenylanthranilic acid indicator is added and titrated with
standard 0.02 M potassium dichromate solution until the
color changes from green to violet red. Ammonium iron
sulphate solution standardized against 0.02M potassium
dichromate, using N-phenyl-anthranilic acid as indicator.
The volume of iron in the solution calculated which was
oxidized by the dichromate originating from the chromium
salt and from this the percentage of Chromium was
calculated [25].
Determination of Ash Content: For determination of ash
content, 5 g of each plant sample weighed and taken in
silica crucible and heated first over a low flame till all the
material was completely charged, followed by heating in
a muffle furnace for about 3-5 hrs at 600°C. Then the
sample was cooled in a desiccator and weighed to ensure
the completion of ashing; it was again heated in muffle
furnace for 1 hour, cooled and weighed. This was
repeated consequently till the weight of sample became
constant (Ash became white or grayish white). The loss
in weight of plant sample gives the ash content [27].
All above procedures were carried out for both plant
materials.
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Acad. J. Plant Sci.,6 (3): 103-108, 2013
Nutritional Value: The nutritional value of both test
plants was calculated as per the formula used by Nile and
Khobragade [28].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results of mineral elements of Vitex negundo and
Adhatoda vasica are given in Table 1, while the result of
various nutrients is summarized in Figure 1 and the
nutritive value is summarized in Table 2.
Results showed that chromium was very low in
comparison with other mineral elements in both plants;
comparatively higher in Vitex negundo. Cr is vital element
as it works with insulin to stabilize blood sugar level, help
to absorb energy from blood and increase muscle mass by
reducing fat mass in human body [29]. Deficiency of Cr
results in growth failure, cataract, hyperglycaemia,
neuropathy, atherosclerosis and leads to diabetes in
humans [30].
Potassium was higher in both plants but contained
less Na. Sodium and Potassium take part in ionic balance
of the human body and maintains tissue excitability, carry
normal muscle contraction and help in formation of gastric
juice in stomach [31]. K helps in release of chemicals
which acts as nerve impulses, regulate heart rhythms,
deficiency causes
nervous
irritability,
mental
disorientation, low blood sugar, insomnia and coma [32].
Iron sufficient in both the plants, is involved in
making of body tendons and ligaments, certain chemicals
of brain are controlled by presence or absence of iron. It
is essential for formation of hemoglobin, which carry
oxygen around the body [33]. Iron deficiency causes
anemia, weakness, depression, poor resistance to
infections [34].
Ca is higher in Vitex negundo but also sufficient in
Adhatoda vasica. Calcium play important role in building
and maintaining strong bones and teeth and also large
part of human blood and extra cellular fluids. It is also
necessary for normal functioning of cardiac muscle, blood
coagulation, milk clotting and regulation of cell
permeability [35]. Calcium deficiency causes rickets, back
pain, osteoporosis, indigestion, irritability, premenstrual
tension and cramping of uterus [36].
Zinc is again higher in Vitex negundo than Adhatoda
vasica, Cu is an important component of many enzyme
systems such as cytochrome oxidase, lysyl oxidase and
ceruloplasmin, an iron oxidizing enzyme in blood [37].
Cu deficiency has been associated with cardiac
abnormalities in human and animal; causes anaemia and
neutropenia [37]. Zn maintain various reaction of body,
Fig. 1: Percentage of Ash, Moisture Contents, Fibre,
Carbohydrate and Protein (N = 3; M ± Sd)
Note: The graph (figure 1) is also attatched with
mail as separate jpeg file
Table 1: Various elemental concentration (ppm) of Vitex negundo and Adhatoda vasica.
(n=3; M ± SD)
Plant
K
Ca
Fe
Vitex negundo
161800 ± 36
143400 ± 23
5330 ± 16
200 ± 9 280 ± 10
120 ± 5
Adhatoda vasica
31190 ± 20.3 68070 ± 35
705 ± 8
64 ± 5
41 ± 3
Table 2: Nutritive value
Cu
Zn
67 ± 6
Cr
of Vitex negundo and Adhatoda vasica
(n = 3; M ± SD)
Sl. No.
Plants
Nutritive value (Cal/100g)
1
Vitex negundo
151.80 ± 3.33
2
Adhatoda vasica
106.00 ± 4.74
which help to construct and maintain DNA, required for
growth of body tissues, important element of ligaments
and tendons [38]. Zn deficiency causes clinical
consequences, including growth delay, diarrhoea,
pneumonia, disturbed neurophyshological performance
and abnormalities of foetal development [38].
Nutritive Value: The nutritive value of both the plants is
low, although the nutritive value of Vitex negundo is
higher than that of Adhatoda vasica. The low nutritive
value shows that the plants cannot be used as food or
fodder, although both the plants have good mineral
content, which shows that the plants have good
medicinal value and extracts can be used for medicinal
formulations.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are thankful to NML for helping in
analysis of Ca and Fe. Further We acknowledge the
facilities made available by the Head, Department of
Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi.
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Acad. J. Plant Sci.,6 (3): 103-108, 2013
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