Underutilized wild edible species or neglected crop species are still used at low levels within the local communities, but show a high potential to contribute to the food supply with more health benefits. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional properties of two underutilized wild edible species, namely, Acrostichum aureum and Talinum triangulare available in Sri Lanka. Plant extracts were analyzed for their ascorbic acid content, total phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and mineral contents (Ca, Cu, Zn, and Fe). Bioaccessibility of minerals was also tested through an in vitro digestion model. Ca is the most abundant micronutrient (45.61-102.91 mg/100 g) in both tested species, while the in vitro bioaccessibility assay shows a higher fraction of Ca (47.46%) in A. aureum and Cu (64.68%) in T. triangulare. The highest concentrations of ascorbic acid and total phenolic content were found in T. triangulare (AAC: 165 mg/100 g; TPC: GAE,34.8 mg/100 g). Studied species were found to have significant antioxidant activities as evaluated by two different methods, such as DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. In relation to the tested data, T. triangulare has shown the greatest antioxidant activity in both methods. Hence, consumption of identified underutilized plant species may serve as good sources of antioxidants and minerals in their natural form.
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