Nutritional and proximate evaluation of tubers from two underexplored endemic Brachystelma species of Northern Kerala, India

Abstract

Brachystelma ariyittaparensis and B. vartakii are underexplored endemic tuberous species of northern Kerala, India, with limited nutritional information. This study provides a comparative baseline evaluation of their proximate composition and vitamin profiles. Tubers were collected from naturally occurring populations in Kasaragod District and analysed using standard proximate methods and laboratory-validated vitamin procedures. The two species showed distinct proximate and vitamin profiles, with B. ariyittaparensis showing relatively higher protein and several vitamins, whereas B. vartakii showed relatively higher fat, fibre, and vitamins B1 and B2. These findings provide preliminary nutritional data for two poorly studied endemic taxa. However, mineral composition, antinutritional factors, bioavailability, toxicity, and safety require further investigation before wider dietary use can be recommended.