Evaluation of multielement/proximate composition and bioactive phenolics contents of unconventional edible plants from Brazil using multivariate analysis techniques

Abstract Unconventional edible plants (UEP) are potential supplementary sources of minerals and bioactive compounds. However, there is still a gap in the literature on UEP composition. In this study, the multielement/proximate composition of ten UEP from Brazil was evaluated by ICP OES. Furthermore, phenolic bioactives were quantified by HPLC-UV-DAD. The UEP showed high moisture content (84.85–95.27%) and elements (in mg Kg-1): Al (122–657), Ca (145–14,229), Cu (8.3–18.81), Fe (177–586), K (12.46–34.50%), Mg (157–1,552), Mn (16.85–84.96), Na (1,107–23,775), P (2,535–6,127), Si (189–1,695), Sr (25.56–104.63) and Zn (0.3–72.31). Nine phenolic bioactive compounds (1–2,147) and three flavonoids (1–2,042 mg Kg-1) were determined. PCA and HCA grouped samples (Java ginseng, Coriander, Spearmint and Indian borage) rich in minerals. Spearmint showed high levels of transcinamic acid, kaempferol and quercetin. This study contributes to the scientific development and use of UEP.