Contents of Important Phenolic Compounds in Indigowoad (Isatis indigotica Fort.) and Plains Wild Indigo (Baptisia bracteata) Roots

The levels of some phenolic compounds were determined for Indigowoad Root (IR) and the Plains Wild Indigo Root (PWIR) to provide insights on their health benefits. The IR is a well-known medicinal plant as well as an edible plant root similar to daikon, sweet potatoes, yam, ginseng and carrots. The PWIR roots, leaves and seeds have traditionally been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes and its extracts are consumed to enhance health. Total phenolic, total flavonoid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, syringic acid and vanillic acid contents were determined. Overall, the phenolic compounds of PWIR and IR either exceeded or compared favorably with other commonly consumed root vegetables. The phenolic compounds of the PWIR generally exceed those of IR. Based on the findings of this study, further research on IR and PWIR may be warranted to determine their possible use as additional sources of phenolic compounds and other desirable constituents to benefit human health.

Source: Research Journal of Medicinal Plant - January 16, 2016 Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research