Nutraceutical Compounds of edible wild plants collected in Central Italy

Edible wild plants (EWPs) are a part of the ethnobotanical heritage of a territory. Several species are used in the local traditional food in central Italy, and unfortunately, the risk of losing this knowledge is currently present. The objective of this work is to evaluate the nutritional value, some active biological components, and total antioxidant capacity (ORAC) of some EWPs present in central Italy: Allium neapolitanum Cirillo, Allium triquetrum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Melissa officinalis L., Thymus serpyllum L. Sonchus oleraceus L, Reichardia picroides L. Roth, Rhagadiolus stellatus L. Gaertn and Plantago coronopus L. The analysis determines the proximate composition, some minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe, and P) and antioxidant vitamins (A, β-carotene, E, and C) of major nutritional interest, total polyphenols, and ORAC. The EWPs showed an interesting qualitative/quantitative composition due to the interesting fiber values, antioxidant vitamins, total polyphenols, and great values of total antioxidant capacity (3.670-20.071 μmol TE / 100g). These results suggest an undoubted nutritional and dietary interest for the four EWPs. Their valorization and adequate consumption/intake, due to the presence of numerous nutrients and biologically active components, could contribute to significant beneficial implications for our health.