Nigam V. and *Nambiar V.

Foods and Nutrition Department, Faculty of Family and Community Studies,

M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara-02, Gujarat 

*Corresponding author: Dr. Vanisha S. Nambiar

Email Id: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Background:  Aegle Marmelos  (L.) Correa belonging to family Rutaceae known in India from Vedic or prehistoric times is an important medicinal plant of India. There is wide genetic variability in terms of quality, form and size of the fruit. Aegle marmelos leaves are used as anti-diabetes agent in Ayurveda, Unani & Siddha Systems of Medicine

Materials and Methods: Aegle Marmelos leaves from the two varieties namely wild variety from Gir Somnath forest  and  newly cultivated variety “Goma yashi” were analysed chemically for proximate composition, available protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, mineral content and heavy metals. The values for  the physico-chemical constituents and minerals is reported in percentage and heavy metals is reported in ppm.

Results: The wild variety was superior to the cultivated variety in terms of nutritional components like carbohydrates, protein, fiber, moisture content, ash content and many of the trace elements like Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, Vanadium, Gold etc.  However heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium were not detected in either of the variety proving it to be non-toxic.

Conclusions: From the present study it is concluded that presence of various inorganic trace elements could account for the hypoglycaemic nature of the plant. Further, the data obtained on individual element concentration in the plant will be useful in deciding the dosage of herbal drugs prepared from this plant material for the management of diabetes-related metabolic disorders. The wild variety can further be exploited to isolate the bioactive constituents for its therapeutic claim.

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