Aquacultural, Nutritional and Therapeutic Biology of Delicious Seeds of Euryale ferox Salisb. : A Minireview

Title:Aquacultural, Nutritional and Therapeutic Biology of Delicious Seeds of Euryale ferox Salisb. : A Minireview

Volume: 19 Issue: 7

Author(s): Vidyanath Jha, Rachana Shalini, Anubha Kumari, Prajna Jha and Nand Kishore Sah*

Affiliation:

• Post-Graduate Studies & Research Center, Department of Botany, T.N.B. College, TMBU, Bhagalpur 812007,India

Keywords: Euryale ferox, basal angiosperm, Makhana, bihar, nutraceutical, IPR.

Abstract: Background: Euryale ferox Salisb. (Makhana) is a rooted macro-hydrophyte, grown as a crop in north Bihar wetlands, India. Makhana refers to yummy pops prepared through mechanical smacking of the baked seeds of E. ferox. New techniques have been evolved to produce pops from seeds at a brisk pace.

Objective: It is specially associated with marital rituals possibly in view of its spermatogenic properties. It has a high amino acid index but a low glycemic value. The plant carries medicinal values against cardiovascular and diabetes-related diseases. Makhana pops with a high volume to mass ratio, is developed as a reliable system for drug delivery in the recent times.

Results: There is a fair prospect of raising multi-faceted industry based on Makhana culture, harvest, post-harvest safety, preparation of pops and various types of food products therefrom and marketing in areas where water-logging is considered as a curse. It may generate employment and strengthen regional economy propping check on population migration primarily due to non-employment and poverty.

Conclusion: Active research is required to harness this macro-hydrophyte along with co-culture of compatible fish varieties and other hydrophytes into a sustainable livelihood and economic prosperity.

Cite this article as:

Jha Vidyanath, Shalini Rachana, Kumari Anubha, Jha Prajna and Sah Kishore Nand *, Aquacultural, Nutritional and Therapeutic Biology of Delicious Seeds of Euryale ferox Salisb. : A Minireview, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2018; 19 (7) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389201019666180808160058