The food ingredients of different extracts of Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites can turn it into a potential medicinal food

This research investigated the functional food potential of L. spinosa through nutritional and phytochemical evaluation. Different solvent-extracts of L. spinosa extracts were GC–MS- analyzed, evaluated for antioxidative and nutritional status especially carbohydrates, polysaccharides, fat, protein, beta carotene, and lycopene contents. Minerals (Fe, Cu, Ca, Cr), and heavy metal (As, Cd, Pb, Cr) contents were also measured followed by acute toxicity in animal model. GC–MS characterized compounds greatly differed based on seven different solvent-extracts. Promising antioxidative effects and nutritional values were recorded for at least five solvent-extracts. Worthy contents of carbohydrates, polysaccharides, β-carotene, lycopene, fat, protein and minerals were detected in the L. spinosa. Heavy metals contents (As, Cd, Pb, Cr) in L. spinosa extract was lower than detection limit. Data demonstrate that L. spinosa stem and leaf could be potential source of functional food accredited with well-balanced nutrients and antioxidant properties.