Phytochemical Characters and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Leaves for Nutraceutical Studies

Abstract

Plant and animal foods in addition to supplying essential nutrients for the survival of mankind also possess a variety of bioactive substances such as phenols, flavonoids, vitamins, carotenes and organosulphur compounds which impart protection against risk of cancer, heart and neuro-degenerotive diseases. Brassicae family includes important vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, etc. and oilseeds like rapeseed-mustard. Brassica vegetables are very important in human nutrition as they are being consumed in high quantities throughout the world. They are a good source of many potential protective dietary factors including folic acid and selenium.