Seasonal variation in biochemical contents of Lasia spinosa

The effect of seasonal variation on the biochemical contents of the tender leaves of Lasia spinosa has been investigated. The concentration of nutrient like protein, fat, iron, calcium, potassium and ascorbic acid were found to increase during the monsoon season except carbohydrates and fibers. Among the non-nutrients but health protective phytochemicals as total alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds also showed increasing value during monsoon than pre-monsoon in Lasia spinosa. Therefore, the monsoon season could be adjudged as the best season for harvesting and consumption of the green Lasia to maximize the nutritional and medicinal potency when used for herbal formulation and as vegetable respectively.