Evaluation of nutritive composition and antioxidant activity in different parts of green asparagus

The nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of different parts of the green asparagus were analyzed.The results showed that the content of nutritional ingredient and antioxidant activity of four parts of green asparagus were significantly different( p < 0.05). Green asparagus leaves and tender tip contained high level of protein,fat,green asparagus leaves and tender tip contained high level of total sugar and reducing sugar. Green asparagus contained kinds of mineral elements,including K,Ca,Mg and Fe with the highest contents. Green asparagus contained 16 kinds of amino acids including 8 essential amino acids,in which aspartate,glutamic acid,lysine,and leucine were of the highest contents. Extracts of leaves had the highest contents of saponins and flavonoids,1.33 g /100 g fresh weight and 0.48 g /100 g fresh weight,respectively.Water extract and ethanol extract of different parts of green asparagus all showed antioxidant capacity. Extracts of green asparagus leaves showed significantly higher antioxidant capacity than those of the other parts( p < 0.05). In conclusion,green asparagus contains rich nutritive components and has a good development prospects.