Proximate and elemental analysis of Ramalina conduplicans Vain. (Ramalinaceae) and Parmotrema tinctorum (Nyl.) Hale (Parmeliaceae)

Yashoda Kambar, Vivek M. N, Ma

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine proximate and mineral composition of two macrolichens namely Ramalina conduplicans Vain. (Ramalinaceae) and Parmotrema tinctorum (Nyl.) Hale (Parmeliaceae). The powdered lichen materials were subjected for proximate analysis to estimate moisture, ash, total protein, total carbohydrate, crude fibre and crude fat content. The content of mineral elements was estimated by ICP-OES after microwave digestion. The content of moisture, ash, crude fibre and protein was higher in P. tinctorum whereas crude fat and carbohydrate content was higher in R. conduplicans. The content of all elements except calcium and copper was higher in P. tinctorum. The content of calcium and potassium was highest in R. conduplicans and P. tinctorum respectively among major elements. In case of minor elements, iron and nickel were found to be highest and least respectively in both the lichens. In conclusion, the results of proximate and mineral content of lichens of this study indicate that the utilization of these lichens in food can be nutritionally advantageous

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