Estimation of Micronutrients in Vitex negundo L. (Karunochi) Leaves

Abstract

The genus Vitex includes many species from tropical and also from temperate areas. Among these species, Vitex negundo possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antihistamine and anti-asthmatic properties. In the present study, analysis of crude fiber and estimation of certain minerals like calcium, iron, vitamin C and phosphorous were carried out on tender, mature and dry leaves of Vitex negundo (Karunochi). The results of the nutrient estimation indicates that dry leaves of Vitex negundo is an excellent source of calcium (15.214g), phosphorous (1.870 g), iron (16.48 mg), vitamin C (21.4 mg) and fiber (14.6 gm) when compared to tender and mature leaves.

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*Author for correspondence
ISSN (Print) : 2349-8897
ISSN (Online) : 2350-1006
FoodSci: Indian Journal of Research in Food Science and Nutrition, Vol 3(1), 13-17, January-June-2016
DOI: 10.15613/jrfn/2016/v3i1/108901
Keywords: Calcium, Iron, Karunochi, Nirgundi, Phosphorous, Vitex negundo
Estimation of Micronutrients in
Vitex negundo L. (Karunochi) Leaves
N. Tharani Devi*, P. R. Janci Rani, H. Theivaprakasham, Subramanian Arumugam
and R. M. Vignesh Nachiappan
Department of Life Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Ettimadai,
Coimbatore - 641 112, India; n_tharanidevi@cb.amrita.edu
1. Introduction
Vitex negundo is native to India and the Philippines
[1]. It thrives in humid and on sandy soils [2]. A literature
survey by Ahuja et al. [3], revealed that Vitex possesses
insecticidal, anti-worm and antimicrobial properties.
Phytochemical studies of Vitex negundo have aorded
volatile oils, lignans, avonoids, terpenes (triterpenes,
diterpenes, sesquiterpenes) and steroids [4, 5]. Flavonoid
glycosides from an ethanolic extract of the leaves of Vitex
negundo are 5-hydroxy-3, 6, 7-trimethoxy-2-(3, 4- dim-
toxypheny) -4H- chrome -4-on and 5, 7-dihydroxy-2-(3,
4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4Hchromen- 4-one. e methanolic
extract also contains, Negundoside, Agundoside, and
Vitegnoside from bark of Vitex negundo p-hydroxyben-
zoic acid and β-sitosterol have been identied from the
methanol and hexane extracts of Vitex negundo. Leaves of
V. negundo are used as tonic, vermifuge and are used to
treat catarrhal fever [6].
1.1 In Vivo Studies
Leaf oil of the plant has repellent action against stored
product pests [7].e chloroform extracts of V. negundo
(40 mg/kg/body wt. and 135 mg/kg), exhibited cytotoxic-
ity in a human cancer cell line panel [8].e anti-hyper-
glycemic eect of leaves due to iridoid glycoside was com-
parable with glibenclamide. It has signicant productive
eect on glycoprotein metabolism [9]. Experiments have
demonstrated that dierent parts of the plant especially
leaves, fruits, roots and seeds possess anti- inammatory
and anti-arthritic activity [10–14].
Studies in albino rats by oral route revealed that the
leaves of Vitex negundo were practically non-toxic but
some histomorphological changes in the heart, liver and
lungs [15]. e oral administration of the plant leaves
have been claimed to have anti-inammatory, analge-
sic, antihyperglycemic, anti-bacterial, anti-asthmatic
and anti-implantation activity [16]. Prabhakar et al.[17]
Abstract
The genus Vitex includes many species from tropical and also from temperate areas. Among these species, Vitex negundo
        

Vitex negundo (Karunochi). The results of the nutrient
Vitex negundo 


Estimation of Micronutrients in Vitex negundo L. (Karunochi) Leaves
Vol 3 (1), January-June 2016 |
14 FoodSci:Indian Journal of Research in Food Science and Nutrition
investigated hepatoprotective activity of Negundoside
and Agundoside from Vitex negundo. Both compounds
were used in combination with one or more pharmaceu-
tical additives which prevent and treat hepatic diseases.
1.2 In Vitro Studies
An isolate from V. negundo (2- pentacyclic triterpe-
noids) exhibits antifeedant activity against the larvae of an
agricultural pest (Achoea janata), and also possess anti-
bacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia
coli [5, 18]. A study by Sathiamoorthy et al. [4] showed
that avones glycoside, isolated from ethanolic extract of
V. negundo leaves, exhibits signicant antifungal activity
against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Cryptococcus
neoformans.
e plant Vitex negundo and Emblica ocinalis
extracts signicantly antagonized the Vipera russellii
and Naja kaouthia venom induced lethal activity both in
vitro and in vivo studies activities [16]. From the vast lit-
erature of this species it was clearly found that this plant
has enourmous medicinal properties. Little attention has
been paid on the role of inorganic elements and potential
nutrients in Vitex negundo. is study aims to estimate
certain common micro-nutrients (Iron, Phosphorous,
Vitamin C, Calcium and Fiber) which are very much
essential to the human body. Abundant research work
has been carried out on the organic constituents of the
medicinal plants while little attention has been paid on
the role of inorganic elements and potential nutrients in
Vitex negundo. ere is a dire need to bring light on the
availability of proximate nutrients to the community and
to create awareness on the medical values and importance
of Vitex negundo on general health. is study aims to
estimate certain common micro-nutrients (Iron, Phos-
phorous, Vitamin C, Calcium and Fiber) which are very
much essential to the human body.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1 Selection of Samples
For this study, Karunochi leaves were obtained from
the Oushadhavanam, near the foot hills of Western Ghats
range, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritanagar,
Coimbatore, India during the year 2015. It was abun-
dantly spread all over this region. A pilot study was con-
ducted in and around the villages of the ghats with regard
to the utilization of this species. From this study it was
observed that this plant was only used as a decongestant
during severe cold and also the potential secret behind
its therapeutic benets remains dark. e samples were
collected accordingly as tender, mature and the dry leaves
of Vitex negundo. ey were cleaned, washed and stored
in air tight containers. e dried samples were powdered,
sieved and stored in sealed polyethene covers. ey were
subsequently used for further nutrient analyses. Estima-
tion of key nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, phos-
phorous, iron and ber were analyzed for all the above
said samples using the standard procedures adapted from
NIN Laboratory manual [19]. Triplicate determination of
each analysis was made and average obtained was tabu-
lated and the availability of the nutrients was compared
for all the samples. e chemicals used for the study were
of analytical grade. e photo electric colorimeter used
for this study had a range from 400-700 nm with its reso-
lution at 1% transmission and absorbance at zero.
2.2 Experimental Set - Up
2.2.1 Preparation of Test solution
Five grams of the sample was weighed in a crucible
and was charred in a bunsen burner, followed by heating
in a mue furnace for about 4 hours, at 600° c. e cruci-
ble was cooled and it was weighed. e ash was dissolved
in HCl and made up to 100 ml with distilled water. e
test solution was further analysed for nutrients.
2.2.2 Estimation of Calcium
Calcium was determined by precipitating it as Cal-
cium Oxalate and titrating the Oxalate solution with
dilute Sulphuric acid against standard Potassium Per-
manganate solution by titrimetric method.
2.2.3 Estimation of Phosphorus
Phosphorous reacts with ammonium molybdate
to form phosphomolybdic acid (Fiske and Subba Row
method), which was reduced by the addition of ANSA to
produce a blue color which was apparently a mixture of
oxides of molybdenum.
2.2.4 Estimation of Iron
Ferric Iron reacts with ammonium thiocyanate or
with Potassium thiocyanate to form ferric thiocyanate
which is red in color (Wong’s method). e color which
is a measure of the concentration of iron was measured
colorimetrically.

N. Tharani Devi, P. R. Janci Rani, H. Theivaprakasham, Subramanian Arumugam and R. M. Vignesh Nachiappan
Vol 3 (1), January-June 2016 | 15
FoodSci:Indian Journal of Research in Food Science and Nutrition
2.2.5 Estimation of Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid, a good reducing agent is oxidised to
dehydro ascorbic acid and estimated by dye method.
2.2.6 Estimation of Crude Fiber
A known amount of the sample was weighed and its
crude ber content was estimated by acid alkali method.
3. Results and Discussion
Table 1 shows the results obtained for micro-nutrient
elements and Crude bre of Vitex negundo along with the
standard values of Moringa oleifera [20, 21].
From the table it was noted that calcium was very high
compared to all other micro-nutrients. Calcium concen-
tration tremendously increased at a high rate as the leaves
matured. Tender and mature leaves had calcium concen-
trations of 251.42 mg and 5267.13 mg respectively. It is
surprising to note that the mature leaves of Vitex negundo
contains higher quantity of calcium, when compared to
Moringa oleifera (440mg) which was considered to be
the richest source of calcium among the common green
leafy vegetables. Similarly dried samples of Vitex negundo
showed a higher quantity of calcium (15214 mg) and
Moringa oleifera provides only 1997mg of calcium.
With regard to Phosphorus, It was observed that as the
leaves get matured the phosphorus content also increases
(Tender 185.2 mg, Mature 680.3 mg, Dried 1870.5 mg).
It was observed that the phosphorus content present in
Vitex negundo was comparatively high when compared to
Moringa oleifera.
e fresh leaves of Vitex negundo provide 6.6mg of
iron and the mature and dried leaves provides 9.4 and
16.48 mg of iron respectively, while Moringa oleifera
leaves provides 0.85 and 28.28mg of iron respectively.
Iron is needed for transporting oxygen and carbon diox-
ide, maintaining a healthy immune system and to provide
energy. It is vital for both physical health and mental well-
being.
Oxidative damage and formation of carcinogens are
lowered by Vitamin C. Vitamin C lowers blood pressure
and decreases the risk of death and Vitamin C. It increases
the absorption of iron by two to three times [22]. It was
observed that the Vitex negundo leaves are rich in vitamin
C content with 141.2mg in tender leaves and 180.9 mg in
matured leaves, whereas when the leaves are dried, most
of the vitamin C gets oxidized and that shows a minimal
value of 21.4 mg in 100 mg of the dried sample. Figure 1-5
gives the comparison of the available proximate nutrients
in Vitex Negundo with the reference standards (Moringa
oleifera).
High ber intake lowers rates of certain disorders
including constipation, diverticular disease, some types
of cancer, and heart disease [23]. Other potential health
benets include ber’s role in maintaining a healthy
weight and glucose modulation [24]. e dried leaves of
Vitex negundo and Moringa oleifera provide 14.6 and 19.9
gm of ber per 100gm respectively. e mature leaves of
both samples an equal amount of ber.
Table 1. Nutrient analysis of Vitex negundo and Moringa oleifera
Nutrients/100gm Vitex negundo Moringa oleifera
Tender Mature Dry Mature Dry
Calcium (mg) 251.42 5267.13 15214.25 440 1997
Phosphorus (mg) 185.2 680.3 1870.5 70 297
Iron (mg) 6.6 9.4 16.48 0.85 28.28
Vitamin C (mg) 141.12 180.9 21.4 220 37.1
Crude Fibre (g) 0.74 0.9 14.6 0.9 19.9
Figure 1. Comparison of Calcium in Vitex Negundo and
Moringa oleifera.

Estimation of Micronutrients in Vitex negundo L. (Karunochi) Leaves
Vol 3 (1), January-June 2016 |
16 FoodSci:Indian Journal of Research in Food Science and Nutrition
From the above table, it was found that all the dried
samples higher nutrient density when compared to the
fresh samples. e volume of fresh leaves used to dry the
sample is more and the fresh leaves could not be stored
for a longer duration.
4. Conclusion
Vitex negundo possess all the essential nutrients
needed for the human body. Till date only the leaves and
seeds were used to control pests in agriculture, but the
leaves or owers were not used for human consump-
tion. Further studies could be recommended to analyse
the other potential benets and toxicity levels via in vivo,
in vitro and clinical researches and nd out the possible
methods to make it edible. e active compounds pre-
sent in it could be isolated the so as to make it available
for pharmacological preparations. ese studies will also
promote awareness among the society on the importance
of this under-utilized species to make use of it eciently.
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Figure 3. Comparison of Iron in Vitex negundo and
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Figure 4. Comparison of Vitamin C in Vitex negundo and
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Figure 5. Comparison of Fiber in Vitex negundo and
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N. Tharani Devi, P. R. Janci Rani, H. Theivaprakasham, Subramanian Arumugam and R. M. Vignesh Nachiappan
Vol 3 (1), January-June 2016 | 17
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