Nutrient analysis of underutilised indigenous weeds in Coimbatore

Certain plants, intentionally grown in gardens and other cultivated settings are termed as “weeds”. Certain weeds have very good potential nutrients which are essential for human needs. Some plants were still considered as leafy vegetables in certain tribal and rural areas with or without the nutritional knowledge behind it. In this study, five such edible weeds like Alternanthera sessilis, Coccinia grandis, Acalypha indica, Boerhavia diffusa and Digera Arvensis were selected and analyzed for key nutrients like Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron and Fiber. In general, elemental contents were found in varying amounts with different ranges. Many of these elements are bio-available in natural form in combination with organic constituents and are easily assimilated by human bodies.