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Abstract
Six morphotypes of Centella asiatica designated G1, G2, G3, G7, G8 and G12 were analyzed for carotenoid content, proximate components and selected dietary minerals. Potassium was found to be the major element present in C. asiatica and the content in G1 and G3 (6,165.0 ± 125.8 mg/100 g dry weight) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than all other morphotypes. C. asiatica is more popular for its higher contents of iron and calcium. However, no significant (P>0.05) differences in calcium content among the morphotypes were observed. The imported variety G7 had significantly higher (P < 0.05) mean content of iron (74.3 ± 34.1 mg/100 g dry weight). The morphotypes G8 and G12 contained significantly higher (P < 0.05) content of β-carotene (77.2 ± 5.1 μg/g fresh weight) and lutein (133.5 ± 10.1 μg/g, fresh weight) respectively. Lutein and β-carotene levels of these two types were also significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the other varieties. The study did not provide any evidence to believe that a given morphotype is superior to another in its overall nutritional value.
Declarations of interest: The present research was supported by the International Foundation for Science (Research Grant No. E/3655-1) and the National Research Council (Grant 2005: No. 05-36).