Nutritional aspects of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L., a well known ethno-medicinal plant of India were investigated with an objectiveto establish its capability of tackling issues of food security too. Analyses of nutritional composition using standard methods offood analysis and comparison with recommended dietary allowances (RDA) reveal that the plant leaf is a good source of protein,dietary fibre, ascorbic acid, essential minerals like K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe and absence of sodium proclaims its use as a diuretic. Oilsobtained from leaf, fruit and seed revealed the presence of fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid, nervonic acid, omega-3 andomega-6 fatty acids of which eicosapentaenoic acid and linoleic acid are potent antioxidants in association with ascorbic acid,phenols and tannins which are also present in appreciable amounts. Apart from nutritional benefits, the plant has the prospect ofcombating skin diseases like dermatitis, atopic eczema, hair fall etc, as source of natural antioxidants and essential fatty acids formaintaining skin health and formulation of cosmetic products whereas the seed oil may be used as bio-fuel for its significant oilcontent after proper transesterification and processing.
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