The Biobrio 13(1 & 2), 2026

Comparative Physicochemical Analysis of Selected Underutilized Wild Edible Plants of the Ranchi Plateau Region: Implications for Nutritional Standardization

Somya, Sarika Verma & Asha Mishra

ABSTRACT:

The Ranchi Plateau harbors diverse underutilized wild edible plants traditionally consumed by tribal communities yet lacking comprehensive physicochemical characterization. This study comparatively evaluated proximate composition, mineral profile, bioactive compounds, and traditional preservation practices of Chenopodium album (Bathua leaves), Crotalaria juncea (Jhunjhuna flowers), and Ficus racemosa (Gular fruits) collected from the Ranchi Plateau, Jharkhand. Standard physicochemical methods (AOAC), ICP-MS mineral analysis, spectrophotometric quantification of bioactives, antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, nitric oxide scavenging), and ethnobotanical surveys (n=50 households) were employed. Moisture content ranged from 78.42±1.23% (C. album) to 84.67±1.34% (C. juncea). Total ash was highest in C. album (14.28±0.56%), indicating rich mineral content. F. racemosa exhibited maximum crude fiber (12.73±0.52%) and total phenolics (324.58±13.62 mg GAE/100g). C. juncea flowers demonstrated highest DPPH scavenging (82.35±3.48%). Heavy metals were below detectable limits, confirming safety. Traditional practices documented included C. juncea flower drying for monsoon jholdaarsabji preparation. All species exhibited favorable Na/K ratio (<0.1) indicating cardioprotective potential. These underutilized wild edibles possess significant nutritional and bioactive potential with established safety profiles, supporting their nutritional standardization and valorization for food security on the Ranchi Plateau.

Keywords:    

Chenopodium album, Crotalaria juncea, Ficus racemosa, Physicochemical analysis, Mineral composition, Antioxidant activity, Traditional preservation, Ranchi Plateau

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