Antidiabetic biomolecules and nutrient elements in Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.)

An experiment at ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga, identified Makhana seed endosperm as a source of quercetin (422 mu g/kg) along with kaempferol (200 mu g/kg) pure flavonoids that enhance rapid glucose metabolism in human cells. Seed endosperm contained 1.14 f 0.02 mg/100 g of vitamin B1 and 5.4 f 0.04 mg/100 g of vitamin C. Regarding antioxidant activities, makhana had the highest DPPH and FRAP values of 288.76 f 0.09 mg AEAC/100 g FW and 99.14 f 0.16 mg AEAC/100 g FW, respectively. Furthermore, a significant quantity of arginine (12.70 f 0.21 g/100 g) as well as histidine (3.62 f 0.11 g/100 g) was also detected in Makhana's protein content of dry endosperm. Makhana was found to be a rich source of several macro and micronutrients. Magnesium (20.00 f 1.09 mg/100 g) and zinc (5.6 f 0.24 mg/100 g), which regulate the secretion and storage of insulin, were also present in appreciable quantity. The Makhana seed kernel was also discovered to have significant amounts of iron (10.9 f 0.13 mg/100 g), selenium (0.06 f 0.02 mg/kg), and chromium (1.05 f 0.06 mg/kg), which function as antioxidants. Our study reveals the highly nutritious properties of Makhana with ingredients having antidiabetic and immune-stimulating properties.