Nutritional composition of conserved Kadsura spp. plants in Northern Thailand

Abstract

The genus Kadsura comprises woody vine plants belonging to the family Schisandraceae . Species are found mostly in Northern Thailand and widely consumed by the local population. Occurrences of these wild fruits are rare as they only grow naturally in forest areas. Nutritive values of Kadsura spp. remain unclear, leading to improper management for food applications. Nutritional composition of Kadsura spp. was evaluated to promote sustainable conservation. Nutritive values in different fruits parts (exocarp, mesocarp, seed and core) of two Kadsura species as Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Sm. and Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib, from Chiang Rai Province, Thailand were assessed. When comparing nutritional contents based on per 100 g dry weight, results suggested that K. coccinea exhibited higher carbohydrate (1–2 times), sugar (1–2 times) and vitamin C (3–4 times) contents than K. heteroclita , while the latter possessed higher fat (1–2 times), protein (1.6–1.9 times), and dietary fiber (1.5–1.8 times) contents. Considering each fruit part, the mesocarp (the only edible fruit part) and exocarp of both species provided high dietary fiber (11.6–20.9% recommended dietary fiber) and vitamin C (as high as 73% recommended per day) but were low in energy (30–40 kcal/100 g fresh weight), protein (0.6–1.2% recommended per day), fat (0.5–1.8% recommended per day) and sugar (2.4–5.4% recommended per day). Interestingly, seed contained higher energy (1–2 times), protein (2–3 times) and fat (4–50 times) than the other fruit parts. Results support the potential consumption of Kadsura spp. as a healthy fruit that can be used for future food applications. Seed and exocarp from Kadsura spp. also showed potential for new product development.

A Comparative Study on Photo-Protective and Anti-Melanogenic Properties of Different Kadsura coccinea Extracts

“…It is not only consumed as food but also is highly regarded for its pharmacological properties, especially anti-HIV, anti-fungal, anti-lipid peroxidation, anti-hepatitis, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties [ 3 , 4 ]. Many studies have shown the therapeutic effects of KC such as in treating gastrointestinal disorders and rheumatoid arthritis, calming the heart, strengthening the kidneys, and promoting blood and fluid circulation [ 5 , 6 ]. It is a novel and rare species with valuable root, stem, leaf, and fruit parts used in traditional Dai medicines (TDM).…”

Comparative study of the photo‑protective and anti‑melanogenic properties of gomisin D, J and O

“…Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are one of the most widely used biologically active compounds extracted from Kadsura medicinal plants in China and other Asian countries (2,38). Studies have confirmed that Kadsura medicinal plants exert various pharmacological effects, including anti-HIV, anti-fungal, anti-lipid peroxidation, anti-hepatitis, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, and are widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and promoting blood and fluid circulation (39)(40)(41). Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans have been shown to possess the potential for use in several cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.…”

A Comparison of the Nutritional and Biochemical Quality of Date Palm Fruits Obtained Using Different Planting Techniques

“…Nutritive values of fresh samples were analyzed, including energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, sugar, ash, moisture content, vitamins (A, D, E, and C) and minerals (Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Fe, and Zn). The standard protocols of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) [ 55 ] were employed according to the previous report [ 56 , 57 ]. All experiments were performed at the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University with the international standard for laboratory quality systems (ISO/IEC 17025:2005).…”