Antidiabetic biomolecules and nutrient elements in Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.)

An experiment at ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga, identified Makhana seed endosperm as a source of quercetin (422 g/kg) along with kaempferol (200 g/kg) pure flavonoids that enhance rapid glucose metabolism in human cells.Seed endosperm contained 1.14 0.02 mg/100 g of vitamin B1 and 5.4 0.04 mg/100 g of vitamin C. Regarding antioxidant activities, makhana had the highest DPPH and FRAP values of 288.76 0.09 mg AEAC/100 g FW and 99.14 0.16 mg AEAC/100 g FW, respectively.Furthermore, a significant quantity of arginine (12.70 0.21 g/100 g) as well as histidine (3.62 0.11 g/100 g) was also detected in Makhana's protein content of dry endosperm.Makhana was found to be a rich source of several macro and micronutrients.Magnesium (20.00 1.09 mg/100 g) and zinc (5.6 0.24 mg/100 g), which regulate the secretion and storage of insulin, were also present in appreciable quantity.The Makhana seed kernel was also discovered to have significant amounts of iron (10.9 0.13 mg/100 g), selenium (0.06 0.02 mg/kg), and chromium (1.05 0.06 mg/kg), which function as antioxidants.Our study reveals the highly nutritious properties of Makhana with ingredients having antidiabetic and immune-stimulating properties.