Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., commonly known as alligator weed, is a wild herb traditionally consumed by ethnic communities in Assam, Northeast India, for both dietary and medicinal purposes. Despite its widespread ethnobotanical use, systematic phytochemical and physicochemical evaluations remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional and bioactive potential of wild A. philoxeroides through qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening and physicochemical assessments. Leaf samples were collected from three locations in Kamrup Metropolitan district and analyzed using standard protocols. Qualitative tests revealed solvent-dependent presence of secondary metabolites such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Quantitative results showed high levels of carbohydrates (up to 38.10 g/100 g) and proteins (17.65 g/100 g), with moderate amounts of saponins and low tannin content. Physicochemical analyses indicated low moisture content, appreciable ash and crude fiber levels, low fat and vitamin C content, and moderate antioxidant activity (5.246 µmol Trolox equivalents/g), with a slightly alkaline pH. These findings validate the traditional use of A. philoxeroides and highlight its potential as a functional food and candidate for herbal drug development. Its nutrient density, bioactivity, and adaptability make it suitable for future applications in health, nutrition, and rural food systems.
Sharma et al. (Wed,) studied this question.