Biochemical studies of some wild edible plants of Manipur

Some biochemical parameters were studied in the leaves/shoots of seven wildly occurring vegetables viz, Amaranthus viridis L. (Chengkruk), Chenopodium album L. (Monsaobi), Polygonum perfoliatum L. (Linha-maton), Stellaria aquatica L.(Yerum-keirum), Cissus javanica DC. (Kongouyen), Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. (Mukthrubi) and Antidesma acidum Retz. (Ching-yensin). The parameters included determination of percentage of total soluble sugars reducing sugars, total free amino acids and proteins on moisture free basis, in addition to moisture content. The level of total sugars, reducing sugars and total free amino acids are maximum in Antidesma acidum and in this species the moisture content is least next to Zanthoxylum acanthopodium. The protein level is highest in Stellaria aquatica and minimum level is observed in Zanthoxylum acanthopodium. The lowest content of total soluble sugars and reducing sugars are found in Polygonum perfoliatum and in case of total free amino acids, Cissus javanica have the minimum content.