title: Comparative Analysis of Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Aerial Parts of Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerinaLinn.).
abstract: The present investigation was carried out to determine the nutritional and functional properties ofT. cucumerina. Water extracts of freeze dried flowers, fruits, and leaves ofT.cucumerinawere evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity,α-amylase inhibitory activity, and fiber and mineral contents. Antioxidant activity, TPC, and TFC were significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) in leaves than in flowers and fruits. A significant linear correlation was observed between the TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities of plant extracts. Although, leaves and flower samples showed a significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) amylase inhibitory activity than the fruit samples, the overall amylase inhibition was low in all three parts ofT. cucumerina. Soluble and insoluble dietary fiber contents were significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) in fruits than in flowers and leaves. Ca and K contents were significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) in leaf followed by fruit and flower and Mg, Fe, and Zn contents were significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) in leaves followed by flowers and fruits. In conclusion,T. cucumerinacan be considered as a nourishing food commodity which possesses high nutritional and functional benefits for human health.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
authors.forename: Ruvini
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6349-0284
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Liyanage
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
authors.forename: Harshani
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nadeeshani
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
authors.forename: Chathuni
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jayathilake
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
authors.forename: Rizliya
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8788-814X
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Visvanathan
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
authors.forename: Swarna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wimalasiri