Carotenoid and mineral content of different morphotypes of Centella asiatica L. (Gotukola)

Six morphotypes of Centella asiatica designated G(1), G(2), G(3), G(7), G(8) and G(12) were analyzed for carotenoid content, proximate components and selected dietary minerals. Potassium was found to be the major element present in C. asiatica and the content in G(1) and G(3) (6,165.0 +/- 125.8 mu g/100 g dry weight) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than all other morphotypes. C. asiatica is more popular for its higher contents of iron and calcium. However, no significant (P > 0.05) differences in calcium content among the morphotypes were observed. The imported variety G(7) had significantly higher (P < 0.05) mean content of iron (74.3 +/- 34.1 mu g/100 g dry weight). The morphotypes G(8) and G(12) contained significantly higher (P < 0.05) content of beta-carotene (77.2 +/- 5.1 mu g/g fresh weight) and lutein (133.5 +/- 10.1 mu g/g, fresh weight) respectively. Lutein and beta-carotene levels of these two types were also significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the other varieties. The study did not provide any evidence to believe that a given morphotype is superior to another in its overall nutritional value.