Phytonutrient Analyses of Panawil (Leptosalena heankei, C. Presl)

Abstract

Panawil (Leptosolena haenkei C. Presl) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae which is endemic to Northern Luzon, Philippines. It thrives in cluster in a very specific area of Benguet and Mountain Province. The phytonutrient analyses revealed that the indigenous vegetable panawil is a rich source of phytochemicals (terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, total phenolics, and antioxidants); minerals (phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc); and vitamins A (β-carotene) and C (ascorbic acid). Phytonutrient analyses of the plant samples collected from different parts of Benguet and Mountain Province reveal that there is no significant difference, except that there is a high significant difference in vitamin C of panawil from both Benguet and Mountain Province.