Nutritional potential of an edible terrestrial orchid Eulophia nuda LINDL and validation of its traditional claim in arthritis

Ethno pharmacological relevance: Eulophia nuda, locally known as Amarkand is an edible orchid, traditionally used as food and ethnomedicine in arthritis, as a blood purifier, vermifuge, in bronchitis, scrofulous glands etc.Aim: The present study focuses on the proximate-nutrient analysis, metabolic profiling of bioactive phenolic acids (PA's) and validation of anti-arthritic activity in E. nuda.Materials: The proximate, nutrition and element (macro-micro) content were evaluated as per standard protocols. The anti-arthritic activity was evaluated via different Invitro models and bioactive phenolics were quantified through calibrated HPLC-UV (PDA) method, as per ICH guidelines.Results: The species contains a considerable amount of proximate i.e. ash, fiber, crude alkaloid, total phenolics, and flavonoid. It is a rich source of macro-micro nutrients, carbohydrates and energy, at par with conventional cereals and super-foods like finger millet, foxtail millet etc. It also contains seven PA's viz. gallic acid, proto-catechuic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillin acid, ferulic acid and quercetin. The PA's content varies from 4.00 to 83.50 mu g/ml. The anti-arthritic potential of the plant extract based on several in-vitro-models showed a promising inhibitory effect on inflammation and uric acid synthesis.Conclusion: The study scientifically validates the traditional claims of this traditional orchid as food and eth-nomedicine. The species can be commercially explored as a supplement to combat nutritional deficiency among rural communities.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the proximate-nutrient analysis, metabolic profiling of bioactive phenolic acids, and validation of anti-arthritic activity in Eulophia nuda. The results show that this species is rich in nutrients and contains seven bioactive phenolic acids with anti-arthritic activity. Therefore, it can be commercially explored as a supplement to combat nutritional deficiency among rural communities.