Proximate analysis of Nymphaea nouchali flower: A Nutritional perspective

Nymphaea nouchali is an aquatic flowering plant known for its nutritional and medicinal significance in traditional and modern applications. The present study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition of N. nouchali flowers collected in September, October, and November. Proximate analysis showed a gradual decrease in moisture content from 45.34 ± 1.23 g/100 g in September to 41.80 ± 1.05 g/100 g in November, while ash content increased from 16.84 ± 0.33 to 17.75 ± 0.30 g/100 g. Carbohydrates decreased slightly, whereas protein (9.86 ± 0.40 to 10.40 ± 0.42 g/100 g), fat (5.70 ± 0.18 to 5.95 ± 0.19 g/100 g), lipid (7.03 ± 0.38 to 7.45 ± 0.35 g/100 g), fibre (6.91 ± 0.21 to 7.30 ± 0.22 g/100 g), and energy content (81 ± 7.48 to 83 ± 7.55 kcal) increased across the three months, indicating enrichment of nutritional components in later collections. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, proteins, sterols, anthocyanins, and saponins in most solvent extracts, with alkaloids and cardiac glycosides observed predominantly in polar solvents, suggesting a broad distribution of bioactive metabolites. Antioxidant evaluation demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activity, with polar extracts exhibiting lower IC50 values in both DPPH (18.72–22.66 mg/g) and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays (29.39–35.73 mg/g), confirming the presence of redox-active compounds. Statistical analysis, including one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests, indicated no detectable differences among replicate groups for proximate parameters, confirming the reproducibility and reliability of the data. Overall, the findings highlight N. nouchali flowers as a nutritionally rich and bioactive resource, with polar extracts showing potent antioxidant potential, and provide a scientific basis for their optimal utilization in nutraceutical and functional applications.