Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Basella alba L. and Basella rubra L. in Sri Lanka

Purpose: Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) are integral to human diets due to their nutritional value. Among these, Basella spp. is notable for its nutrient density. This study aims to assess and compare Basella alba with Basella rubra for their nutritional and phytochemical composition, and antioxidant properties, lacking in the Sri Lankan context, providing insights to enhance crop utilization in agriculture.
Research Method: The total chlorophyll and carotene contents, the total flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The results were analyzed using the Independent Sample t-Test.
Findings and Values: The Independent Samples t-Test highlighted that only carbohydrate contents were statistically significantly different (P<0.05) between the two species. The higher carbohydrate content was observed in the B. rubra. The aspects of proximate composition except carbohydrate content showed approximately similar results between the two species. The total chlorophyll, carotene, TFC, TPC, and reducing power and radical scavenging ability were statistically significantly different between the species, showing the highest values in B. alba in each aspect. This study compares and highlights the higher antioxidant activity and potential health benefits of B. alba over B. rubra, with new implications for agriculture.