Optimization and characterization of composite flour developed from adaptogenic medicinal plants enriched with bioactive compounds

This investigation formulated optimized composite flour (OCF) by amalgamating W. somnifera, M. oleifera, and A. racemosus, using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The plant powders were coded as independent variables within the FSSAI-permitted range, while iron, calcium, and total phenols were responses. The optimized composition (Withania: Moringa: Asparagus was 2:3:2.5) provides sufficient quantities of Ca (118.49 mg), Fe (12.05 mg), and total phenols (271.39 mg). Nutritional and techno-functional attributes suggested that Moringa contained protein, fat, fiber, and ash in higher quantities, followed by OCF. Asparagus had the maximum total carbohydrates and energy values. OCF also comprises other essential minerals, K, Mg, Na, Zn, Se, and P (92.55 ± 2.2, 147.54 ± 3.21, 925.47 ± 3.39, 1.0 ± 0.21, 1.02 ± 0.19, and 24.38 ± 3.14 ppm, respectively). Blending offered optimized techno-functional aspects, including WAC (4.03 ± 0.1), OAC (2.04 ± 0.04), HLR (1.97 ± 0.09), LBD, and TBD (0.32 ± 0.01 and 0.39 ± 0.009), flowing properties, and swelling index and gelatinization temperature (94 ± 4.5). The antibacterial assay reported Withania’s prominent antibacterial efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Conversely, OCF displayed moderate antibacterial effects against gram-positive bacteria. These outcomes support OCF as a promising functional variable for food-to-food fortification.