Elemental, nutritional, and phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of Cordia obliqua Willd. (Clammy Cherry): An important underutilized forest tree of East India

Abstract

Cordia obliqua is an underutilized forest tree having food, medicinal, and industrial applications. Its flower buds are in great demand and are consumed as a raw vegetable in different states of India, including Odisha. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. However, there is a huge gap between conventional use (food and medicine) and scientific evidence. The elemental analysis (S, K, Mg, P, Mn, Ca, Fe, Zn, Ni, and Cu) of leaves and flower buds was performed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry. The elements found in significant quantities are K (18740 mg/Kg), P (1530 mg/Kg), Fe (71.9 mg/Kg), and Cu (22.5 mg/Kg) in flower buds. In contrast, the major elements found in leaf samples are S (2280 mg/Kg), Mg (1400 mg/Kg), Mn (1700 mg/Kg), Ca (957 mg/Kg), Zn (58 mg/Kg), and Ni (23 mg/Kg). Nutritional analysis of flower buds revealed the presence of carbohydrates (38.7 mg/dry weight), proteins (89 mg/g dry weight), fiber (127 mg/g in dry weight), and Vitamin C (2.5 mg/g dry weight). In contrast, the leaves consist of carbohydrates (26.9 mg/g dry weight), proteins (30.4 mg/g dry weight), fiber (127 mg/g in dry weight), and Vitamin C (5.0 mg/g dry weight). The flower buds also have high antioxidant activity. Sufficient nutritional value was obtained from both the leaves and flower buds of C. obliqua, which could fulfill the required amount of diet supplements as per the suggestion of Nutrition Requirements and Recommended Dietary Allowance.