Chemical characterization and bioactive compounds of an unconventional vegetable - Erechtites valerianifolia (Wolf) DC.

Abstract

Although many native foods are part of the Brazilian diet, there is still limited information on their nutritional composition (Paula Filho et al., 2015a). However, the inclusion of information on nutritional composition becomes important to evaluate the supply of these food sources and to verify the possibility of nutritional adequacy of these foods in the diet (Paula Filho et al., 2015b). Erechtites valerianifolia (Wolf) DC. is an unconventional vegetable that belongs to the family Asteraceae and is widely distributed all the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. This vegetable is used as a food resource, specially by families inhabiting the rural area of this region, being commercialized in urban fairs as well (Barreira et al., 2015). Although its importance and use in the diets of many families is observed, up to the present time the nutritional composition of this vegetable is still little studied. Among works found on this species, stands out Wahab et al. (2015) who evaluated the nutritional value and bioactive components in samples of E. valerianifolia consumed by indigenous populations in Malaysia, these authors found high concentrations of β-carotene, carbohydrates and vitamin C in this species. Rosas-Romero & Saavedra (2005) observed that samples of E. valerianifolia collected in the District of Chapare, in Bolivia, presented antioxidant activity highly promising. As well, there is no record in the academic literature of some possible toxicity effect that the species may present, in this case, when there is, is eliminated by means of the preparation forms carried out by the families that consume this species. Considering the above, the present study investigated the centesimal analysis, content of carotenoids, vitamins (C and E) and minerals in samples of E. valerianifolia collected in natural environments of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. 2 Material and methods 2.1 Obtaining of the samples Fertile samples of E. valerianifolia were obtained in November of 2012, in the region of Viçosa (20°45'14" S and 42°52'44" W), and identified by experts from the herbarium of the Federal

Proximate composition and characterization of the vitamins and minerals of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) from the Middle Doce River region – Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…Expectedly, dietary fibers are found in leafy vegetables, and this fact was also true for the T. officinale , being the second largest component in the specimens collected from family farming in Governador Valadares (3.7 g.100 g −1 ). The total dietary fiber in these plants was similar to the amount found in conventional vegetables like Erechtites valerianifolia (3.7 g.100 g −1 ) ( Barreira et al., 2019 ), Sonchus species (≈4 g.100 g −1 ) ( de Paula Filho et al., 2022 ), and Acmella oleracea (4.05 – 6.35 g.100 g −1 ) ( Aguiar et al., 2014 ; Neves et al., 2019 ). It is noteworthy that dietary fibers are food compounds capable of reducing the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, cancer, and intestinal disease ( Cronin et al., 2021 ; O'Grady et al., 2019 ).…”

Nutritional Analysis of Five Wild Edible Vegetables Traditionally Consumed by the Orang Asli in Perak

“…The proximate compositions obtained in this study were corroborative to the findings of leafy vegetable amaranths [ 23 ]. Barreira et al [ 24 ] also noted that the E. valerianifolia obtained in Brazil would make a good food source based on its availability as well as its ability to meet the daily recommended nutrient intake, hence potentially reducing nutritional deficiencies among the population.…”

UNCONVENTIONAL FOOD PLANTS FOUND IN SANTA CATARINA STATE: nutritional and therapeutic potential

“…Thabit et al (2014) describe that the species has different phytochemical groups such as alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids and others, which gives Conyza bonariensis anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antipyretic, anti-rheumatic and antioxidant potential. Erechtites valerianifolius has a caloric value of 29.2 kcal in 100g and high concentrations of β-carotene, K, Ca, Fe and Mg (BARREIRA et al, 2019), in addition to 23% protein content (KINUPP; BARROS, 2008). According to Puspaningtyas et al (2018) this species, which is commonly found in Indonesia, has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities, and is also used to treat fever, diarrhea, tonsillitis, wounds and eczema.…”