Comparative assessment of nutritional composition, polyphenol profile, antidiabetic and antioxidative properties of selected edible wild plant species of Bangladesh

Wild edible plants are recently recognized as an important source of acquiring macro and micro nutrients beneficial for human health. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials, polyphenolic profile, - as well as the ascorbic acid, proximate and mineral compositions of five selected Bangladeshi wild plants. The studied samples were rich in ash, fiber, protein, vitamin C and low in fat. The undertaken plant samples were found to have good amounts of total phenolic, total flavonoid, and antioxidant capacities, documented by DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC assays. They also exhibited varying spectrum of polyphenols estimated by HPLC. Significant inhibition of α-amylase activity by plant extracts was also observed. Evaluation by principal component analysis revealed clear separation among the wild plant varieties. The study findings would enrich the food composition table of Bangladesh and allow the population to consume more wild plants and increase their production.