FOLIAGE OF APIACEAE MEMBERS: A RICH SOURCE OF VITAMIN E AND K
AbstractVitamins are essential components of any diet and diet deficient in vitamins is the prime reason for malnutrition. In the present investigation, essential oil fractions isolated from foliages and tender shoots of few Apiaceae members commonly used as spices, vegetable, and flavoring agents were involved in phytochemical diversity analysis. GC-MS fingerprinting of the essential oil fractions isolated from young foliages and tender stems showed the presence of vitamin E and K in appreciable quantity. The foliage of carrot (Daucus carota L.), a popular winter vegetable is very rich in α-Tocopherol and phytonadione. Tender shoot portion of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi Sprague, a common spice yielding member and coriander (Coriandrum sativum Linn.) also have a significant amount of α-Tocopherol and phytonadione. The study has indicated the supplementary use of these members as a potential source of vitamin E and K beside their common use.