Title : Salinity influenced phytochemical, proximate, anti-nutrient and mineral composition of Trachyandra ciliata kunth (wild cabbage): A neglected halophyte from the western cape, South Africa
Abstract:
Trachyandra ciliata is an underexplored halophyte native to the Western Cape, South Africa whose knowledge was eradicated during colonization and removal of Khoi-San people from the coastal areas of the province. The limited literature however reveals that the flower buds were used as vegetable by the native people. This study evaluated the phytochemical, proximate, anti-nutrient, and mineral composition of Trachyandra ciliata cultivated under varying degrees of salinity to promote its cultivation and commercialization. Treatments consisted of different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), control- 0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM, 200 mM. Findings revealed that different salinity levels significantly influenced the accumulation of phytochemicals, proximate, anti-nutrients, and mineral composition of the different plant parts. The highest mean values for phytochemicals (polyphenols, flavonols, FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH) were recorded under 100 mM salinity, while they were recorded under 200 mM in the leaves and roots. The lowest values were observed under control treatment for all plant parts. A similar trend was observed for anti-nutrients. Macronutrients like P, K, and Mg recorded highest values under control, while N and Ca were high under 50 mM in the inflorescence and leaves. Interestingly, Ca was higher under high 200 mM. Proximate analysis showed that moisture, fat, protein, and energy recorded highest mean values under 50 mm salinity level, while ash increased with increasing salinity. These results reveal that T. ciliata has a potential in the commercial vegetable market and further research is recommended to assess its medicinal activity against chronic diseases and bacteria.
