Carotenoid and mineral content of different morphotypes of Centella asiatica L. (Gotukola)

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.

Keywords::

• Carotenoids
• vitamin A activity
• Centella asiatica
• mineral content

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).