Quantitative estimation of some important minerals in amrul leaves (leaves of oxalis corniculata linn.) - an underutilized plant

Oxalis corniculata Linn. has been found in many traditional systems of medicine for treating various human ailments. Studies revealed that this underutilized plant possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiamoebal, antihelminthic, antiscorbutic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antidiarrhoal, anticancer, antiulcer, antiseptic, anti- diabetic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, abortificiant, and wound healing properties. It is consumed by the tribal communities as emergency food. The study was conducted to estimate the minerals content of Oxalis corniculata leaves which may be helpful in finding the beneficial effect related to the trace element content of the leaves. The findings revealed that Oxalis corniculata leaves contain high amount of calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc and trace amount of copper, lead and phosphorus. Thus it can be concluded that this plant can be incorporated in the diet as a low cost food to obtain its therapeutic benefits.