Proximate and Nutrient Investigations of Selected Medicinal Plants Species of Pakistan

Abstract

Eight medicinal plants species were investigated for proximate analysis and micronutrient analysis. These species included Coriandrum sativum, Amomum subulatum, Zizphus vulgaris, Punica grantham,Pistacia vera, Mentha sylvestris, Sphaeranthus hirtius, and Cassia angustifolia. In proximate analysis carbohydrate, protein, fiber, fat, ash and energy values were calculated for the eight species. In comparative assessment of the various species, the results showed that Pistacia vera is most significant species having higher concentrations of fat, protein and energy values compared to the other species. In case of micronutrient analysis, fabulous concentration level of Fe was revealed in Sphaeranthus hiritus, considerable amount has also been found in Mentha sylvestris. The level of Zn was highest in Mentha sylvestris while the concentration of Co was highest in Sphaeranthus hiritus.