Proximate and nutrient composition of medicinal plants of humid and sub-humid regions in North-west Pakistan

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess proximate composition and nutrient contents of five medicinal plant species collected from Northwest Pakistan. Bupleurum falcatum and Valeriana officinalis belongs to humid regions, while Forsskalea tenacissima, Lavandula angustifolia and Otostegia limbata belongs to sub-humid regions. Proximate analysis (total protein, fats, carbohydrate, ash, and moisture contents) were carried out following methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Macronutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K) and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results revealed higher concentration of macronutrients in F. tenacissima and micronutrients in O. limbata. In conclusion, sub-humid region’s species are having higher nutritional value than humid region’s species.