Phytochemical screening, nutritional, antinutritional, antioxidant, GCMS and mineral analysis of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC: Insights from tribal consumption in Mizoram, Northeast India

The plant Zanthoxylum rhetsa Roxb, a member of the Rutaceae family, holds dual significance in certain communities, particularly in Mizoram, Northeast India, where it is valued for its medicinal properties and consumed as a vegetable. This study comprehensively analyzes the phytochemical, nutritional, antinutritional, and antioxidant properties and the mineral content of Z. rhetsa, a plant traditionally consumed by tribal communities in this region. Minerals such as aluminum, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted to determine the chemical composition of the samples. Phytochemical screening revealed the existence of several bioactive components, such as tannins and flavonoids, while nutritional studies validated the plant's abundance of key nutrients. Among the minerals, manganese was found in the highest concentration (481.356 mg/100 g of DW), while nickel was present in the lowest concentration (1.614 mg/100 g of DW). The total calorific content was ascertained to be 51.344 Kcal/100g, adequate for dietary requirements. Additionally, the total phenolic content measured was 8.28 mg/g in gallic acid equivalent, and the total flavonoid content was 43.04 mg/g in quercetin equivalents. The existence of antinutritional compounds in differing amounts necessitates meticulous evaluation, particularly with the intake of fruits that may possess elevated levels of these substances. This comprehensive assessment highlights the nutritional significance of Z. rhetsa in local diets, emphasizing its dual role as a source of beneficial nutrients and potential antinutritional factors.