Nutritional Profiles of Four Species of Chenopodiaceae Halophytes



G Hase M Kheyli SA¹ ; Salehi M² ; Malekshah AF^{3, 4, 5} ; Zaroudi M^{3, 5, 6} Show Affiliations
Source: Encyclopedia of Plant Science Volume: (12 Volume Set) Published:2020

Abstract

Chenopodiaceae is the most important plant family in arid and semi-arid areas and salt marshes. Most chenopods grow in the harsh environment of central plateau in which the annual rainfall is less than 200 mm. This family has 45 genera and approximately 204 species in Iran. One of the most tolerant species in Meyghan habitat in the central Iran is Halocenemum strobilaceum. This species could produce 15.5% cover at 123 dS m-1 and survive at 250 dS m-1 soil salinity in southern Iran. It can be found in all saline lands of Iran with different climatic conditions. Suaeda fruticosa is an obligate and leaf succulent perennial halophyte which produces plenty of seed under saline conditions. Caroxylon species are the important group in chenopodiacea family and play an important role in the dry and saline rangelands of Iran. Among exotic species, Chenopodium quinoa is considered as a promising crop for food production from halophytes family irrigated with saline water. It has a high nutritional value compared to other cereals and the expensive gluten-free diet in the European market. The seed yield of quinoa has shown to be 2-3 t ha-1 using saline water with 14-17 dS m-1 under different climatic conditions of Iran. In addition, the seed byproducts (stem and residual of panicle) have a remarkable content of minerals. The nutritional profile of four promising species of chenopodiaceae family (Caroxylon imbericatum, Halocenmum strobilaceum, Sueada fruticosa and Chenopodium quinoa by product) which are collected from saline areas of Iran were evaluted by ICP, HPLC and other standard methods in this study. The nutrient content (biochemical composition, minerals, amino acid, and water soluble vitamins) of four halophyte plants indicate that they have high nutritive and dietary values, so these medicinal plants can be used as a major source of minerals and natural nutrients in food and fodder, based on their crude protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals in sufficient amount. Many adults and children suffer from micronutrient deficiencies in the world, so these halophytic plants are one of the best choices for providing a functional food supplement for human. High mineral contents especially Na and other untested compounds is the main cases that need to be studied and noticed. © 2020 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.