Journal of Natural Product and Plant Resources
Abstract
Author(s): Munmi Borkataky, Bibhuti B Kakoti and Lakhi R Saikia
Costus speciosus (Keon. Ex Retz.) Sm.has been used as a medicinal plant by various traditional healers and its
rhizome has been consumed as a vegetable especially in Assam and also in some other parts of India. The primary
and secondary metabolites play a vital role in the growth and maintenance of health of plants. The study of their
role in human diet is a prime area of scientific research and various plants have been studied for their contribution
to human nutrition. The present study showed that the rhizome of C. speciosus has an energy value of 159.63 Ã?â??Ã?± 4.12
kcal/100 g with high protein content (24.05 Ã?â??Ã?± 0.67%) which contributes to approximately 60% of the total energy
value. The rhizome is also a source of secondary metabolites like phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids
and glycosides which are reported for various biological effects including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
The findings of the study suggest that the rhizome of C. speciosus has the potential for use in diet for nutritive and
health benefits.
