Vol 19, No.

10;Oct 2012

Study of chemical and mineral constituents of Haloxylon salicornicum collected from Cholistan Desert, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Muhammad Aqeel Ashraf1*, Karamat Mahmood2, Shahnaz Kousar2, Abdul Wajid2 and Ismail Yusoff3
1

Department of Chemistry, University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Department of chemistry, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur 63100 Pakistan Department of Geology, University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +60172770972 E-mail: chemaqeel@gmail.com

The research is financed by The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan and University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Abstract The present study evaluates the proximate composition and mineral constituents of Haloxylon salicornicum plant collected from Choilsitan Desert, Pakistan. Total 125 plant samples (stem and leaves) were collected from ten different locations in the area. Collected samples were washed, dried, ground and sieved through 20 mm mesh sieve. The powdered samples were analysed for chemical and minerals analysis using standards procedures developed by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The results showed that stem and leaves of Haloxylon salicornicum are rich in minerals and chemical components, therefore can be a good source of animal feeds. Phytochemical investigation of plants revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, bound glycosides suggesting that plant can be useful in medicinal field. In conclusion, it is suggested that Haloxylon salicornicum has great medicinal and nutritional importance which can be a good sources of some important nutrients for humans and can become a source of poverty alleviation for the poor local community of the area. Key words: Haloxylon salicornicum, stem; leaves; phytochemical; nutritive analysis.

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1.

Introduction

The use of the medicinal plants all over the world predates the introduction of antibiotics and other modern drugs. Herbal medicines have been widely used and formed an integral part of the primary healthcare in different parts of world mainly, China (Daccord et al. 2002), Ethiopia (Desta 1993), Argentina (Anesini & Perez 1993), Papua New Guinea (Nick et al. 1995) and all over Indo-Pak regions from centuries (Muneer et al. 2006). The biochemical and mineral analysis of medicinal plants has been carried out in detail by several workers (Iqbal et al. 1981, Gul-e-Rana et al. 1990, Rashid et al. 1999, 2001, Karamat et al. 2002, Ahmad et al. 2007). Keeping in view, the present study investigates the chemical composition of Haloxylon salicornicum. Haloxylon persicum Bunge ('Ghada') is one of the well known saxaul tress of Central Asia, Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, North West China and near eastern deserts (Butnik et al. 1991, Stuart Chapin 2001). It is an Irano-Turanian species which apparently originated in Central Asia, where it is an important component of the desert vegetation (Sanderson et al. 2002). Haloxylon salicornicum is distributed throughout Afghanistan, Pakistan (Balochistan, Sindh) and India. In general, it is a plant of sandy habitats growing mostly on the shallow depressions along the slopes of dunes. It is a potential source of firewood, and in some deserts of Central Asia, it yields up to 50,000 kg of charcoal per hectare (Naeem et al. 2000). It is very tolerant to environmental extremes in temperature, light and water availability (Casati et al. 1999). Haloxylon salicornicum belongs to family Chenopodiaceae locally called as Lana or Khar (Shafi et al. 2002) is a common shrub in desert areas of Pakistan. It is a much branched, perennial erect leafless shrub, woody at base. Stem and branches are pale yellow, jointed, joints produces into two short triangular points which take the place of leaves and are woolly within, flowers and fruits not observed (Figure 1). It is a fodder plant, mostly grazed by the camels, has high salt contents, better to reclaim the soil, its extract is used to wash the cloth. The plant also has some medicinal value in livestock to cure ailments (Bhandari 1995). Some native people also claim about this plant as poisonous on the basis of local non-scientific knowledge (Ahmad et al. 2007) and mostly applied externally on insect stings by local population (Arshad et al. 2002). In folk medicine, its

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decoction is recognized for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditional healers are using it to treat intestinal ulcers (Shafi et al. 2002). A piperidyl alkaloid haloxynin has also been isolated and characterized form Haloxylon salicornicum by mass spectrometry, among the 80 identified alkaloids, 10 alkaloids were recorded for the first time from this plant and the genus haloxylon, haloxynine, halosaline, haloxine, anabasine and smipine figure as a major alkaloids with a relative abundance of more than 5% of total alkaloids. Some of these alkaloids are known to be stronger agonistic at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and it is thus likely that they serve as chemical defense compounds against insects and mammalian herbivores (El-Shazly et al. 2005).

Figure 1: Haloxylon salicornicum collected from Cholistan Desert, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. 1.1. Study Area Pakistan lies between 24o37o North latitude and 61o75.5o East longitude, covering an area of 796,095 sq. km. Out of this area, 468,000 sq. km is in the north and west in the form of mountainous land and plateau, while the remaining 328,000 sq. km comprises the plains. Environmental variability in Pakistan is enormous, ranging from high snowy Himalayan peaks in the north to the hot humid climate of shores of the Arabian Sea in the south. Cholistan is an extension of the Great Indian Desert which includes the Thar Desert in Sindh province of Pakistan and the Rajasthan Desert in India (Figure 2), covering an area of 85000 km2, it lies within Southeast quadrant of Punjab province between 2742' and 2945' North latitude and 6952' and 7305' East longitude (Jowkar et al. 1996, Ahmad 1999, 2002, FAO 2004, Arshad et al. 2007, Ahmad & Sameera 2007). The climate of the area is an arid subtropical, continental type, characterized by low and sporadic rainfall, high temperature, low relative humidity, high rate of evaporation and strong summer winds (Ahmad 2002). Aridity is

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one of the most striking features of the Cholistan desert with wet and dry years occurring in clusters (Akbar et al. 1996, Akbar & Arshad 2000, FAO 2004). The entire area of this desert is rain dependant for its ground water recharge and drinking water being stored in dug-out ponds (Tobas). Underground water is at the depth of 30-40 m and mostly is brackish having salt concentration 900024000 mg/l (FAO 2004). The mean annual temperature of the area is 27.5C, whereas mean summer temperature is 35.5C, and winter temperature is 18C. The average maximum summer temperature goes up to 46C (Figure 2) and average minimum winter temperature falls up to 7C. The month of June is the hottest and daily maximum temperature normally exceeds 45C and sometimes crosses 50C (Ahmad 2002). The daily maximum temperature comes down in July due to monsoon rainy season in the country. There is always an abrupt fall in temperature during the nights. Mean annual rainfall varies from less than 100 mm in the west to 200 mm in the east. Rainfall is usually received during monsoon (July through September) and in winter and spring (January through March) (Mughal 1997, Arshad et al. 2006). About half of the total rainfalls come under threshold category while, others do not create runoff however, on the whole create a favourable environment for the growth of vegetation (Abdullah et al. 1990, Akbar & Arshad 2000).

Figure 2: Landuse system of Cholistan Desert, Bahawalpur, Pakistan On the basis of its topography i.e., parent material, soil and vegetation; it is divided into two geomorphic regions. The northern region (Lesser Cholistan) bordering the canal-irrigated areas cover about 7770 km2 while the southern region (Greater Cholistan) comprises 18130 km2. The

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Lesser Cholistan consists of large saline, hard and compact areas (locally called Dahars) alternating with low sandy ridges. Sand dunes are stabilized, semi-stabilized or shifting, while the valleys are mostly covered with sand. The soils are classified as either saline or saline sodic, with pH ranging from 8.2 to 8.4 and 8.8 to 9.6, respectively. The Greater Cholistan is a wind sorted sandy desert and comprises river terraces, large sand ridges and less interdunal plain areas (Baig et al. 1980, Akbar et al. 1996, Akbar & Arshad 2000, Arshad et al. 2006). The vegetation of Cholistan desert is a typical of arid regions and comprises of xerophytic species, adapted to extreme seasonal temperature, moisture fluctuation and a wide variety of edaphic conditions (Rao & Arshad 1991, Akbar & Arshad 2000, Arshad et al. 2007). Vegetation cover is comparatively better in eastern region (200 mm rainfall zone) than the hyper arid southern region (100 mm rainfall zone). The soil topography and chemical composition is playing an important role in plant distribution in the area (Arshad & Rao 1994, Arshad et al. 1999). The association of certain plant species to certain soils at different places is very common. On the top of the dunes (stabilized) Haloxylon salicornicum and Calligonum polygonoides are the dominant species. These species are good soil binders and do not require much moisture, as their roots can penetrate deeper in search of water. Grasses like Cymbopogan jwarancusa, Panicum antidotale, Digitaria pennata, Dichanthium annulatum and Eragrostis japonica are found to cover the middle of dunes. These too are good soil binders and have a high fodder value. At the bottom of dunes the dominant species are Haloxylon recurvum. Aerua tomentosa, Leptadenia spartium, Zizyphus nummularia, and Crotalaria burhia. However, species like AIhagi camelorum, Tribulus terrestris, Euphorbia prostrata, Calotropis procera and C.gigantea were observed to grow abundantly in shady habitats of the dunes. These plants are neither soil binders nor have they any fodder value. The compact saline dahars without any soil cover are dominated by Haloxylon recurvum, Haloxylon salicornicum and Suaeda fruticosa, whereas Salsola baryosma, Sporobolus ioclados, Aeluropus lagopoides, Capparis decidua, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Ochthochloa compressa and Prosopis cineraria are specific to the dahars having some sandy cover. Similarly, the sand dunes are dominated by Calligonum polygonoides, Aerva javanica, Panicum turgidum and Lasiurus scindicus (Chaudhary 1992, Arshad et al. 2002, 2006, 2007, Ramirez et al. 2004, Arshad et al. 2007).

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The past literature showed that less work has been carried out on mineral and nutritional analysis of Haloxylon salicornicum. In present work an attempt has been made to elucidate and analyze Haloxylon salicornicum have this forage contained sufficient amount of mineral and other nutrients. 2. Material & Methods

2.1. Plant collection and sampling Samples collecting expeditions were executed in 2008 and 2009 in the sand dunes of Cholistan Desert, Pakistan by the author with the help of two research assistants from the Department of Chemistry, Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Table 1: (Selection Criteria) for ten sampling sites in Cholistan Desert, Pakistan Accession Number 1 2 Collection Number LS1/3 LS1/2 Name of the Site Lal Suhanra Kalay Paharr Soil Texture Sand stone with clayed sand Sand stone, lime stone Sandy clay Sandy clay Red sandy clay with sand stone Mostly sand stone Sandy clay Lime stone, sand stone Lime stone with sand stone Sand stone with clay stone Habitat Description Plain surface in the periphery Plain surface in the periphery Inside desert Inside desert Inside Desert Inside Desert Moderate slope Steep slope Vegetation Type Dominant grasses and shrubs Dominant herbs with grasses and few shrubs Dominant grasses with herbs Dominant large shrubs with grasses Small shrubs and herbs with grasses Mixture of grasses and herbs Sedges and small shrubs Dominant grasses with large and medium shrubs Dominant grasses with herbs Dominant grasses and shrubs

3 4 5 6 7 8

KP1/2 KP1/3 KP2/2 KP2/4 DR2/3 SZE1/15

Kalay Paharr Kalay Paharr Kalay Paharr Kalay Paharr Derawar Fort Sheikh Zaid Enclosure Sheikh Zaid Enclosure Sheikh Zaid Enclosure

9 10

SZE1/13 SZE1/9

More or less flattered peripheral area Uneven peripheral area

Field survey of desert was performed for this purpose, which comprised of the following three aspects: selection of sites, collection of data, and analysis of data. On the findings of a preliminary survey, ten study sites namely, Lal Suhanra, Kalay Paharr, Derawar Fort and Sheikh Zaid Enclosure
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were selected mainly on the basis of variation in their ecological attributes, especially topography, vegetation type and soil composition. Information about the ecology, brief geological position and soil properties of these sites are presented in (Table 1). 2.2. Preparation of the plant materials for chemical analyses Total 125 plant samples (green leaves or leaflets and immature pods) of available plant Haloxylon salicornicum were collected from the ten sites. These collected samples were washed to remove any soil debris material, dried at room temperature to remove residual moisture, then placed in paper envelope and oven-dried at 55C for 24 h (Aletor & Adeogun 1995, Abuye et al. 2003). The dried stem and leaves were ground into powder using pestle and mortar, and sieved through 20-mesh sieve. The powder was used for the nutrients analysis. 2.3. Chemical analysis The methods recommended by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists were used to determine ash (#942.05), crude lipid (#920.39), crude fibre (#962.09) and nitrogen content (#984.13) (AOAC, 1997). 2.4. Determination of crude lipid and crude fibre content Two grams of dried stem and leaves were weighed in a porous thimble of a Soxhlet apparatus, with its mouthed cotton wool plugged. The thimble was placed in an extraction chamber, which was suspended above a pre-weighed receiving flask containing petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60C). The flask w as heated on a heating mantle for eight hours to extract the crude lipid. After the extraction, the thimble was removed from the Soxhlet apparatus and the solvent distilled off. The flask containing the crude lipid was heated in the oven at 100C for 30 min to evaporate the solvent, then cooled in a dessicator, and reweighed. The difference in weight was expressed as percentage crude lipid content. Crude fibre was estimated by acid-base digestion with 1.25% H2SO4 (prepared by diluting 7.2 ml of 94% conc. acid of specific gravity 1.835g/ml per 1000 ml distilled water) and 1.25% NaOH (12.5 g per 1000 ml distilled water) solutions. The residue after crude lipid extraction was put into a 600 ml beaker and 200 ml of boiling 1.25% H2SO4 added. The contents were boiled for 30 minutes, cooled, filtered through a filter paper and the residue washed three times with 50 ml aliquots of boiling water. The washed residue was returned to the original beaker and further digested

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by boiling in 200 ml of 1.25% NaOH for 30 minutes. The digest was filtered to obtain the residue. This was washed three times with 50 ml aliquots of boiling water and finally with 25 ml ethanol. The washed residue was dried in an oven at 130C to constant weight and cooled in a dessicator. The residue was scraped into a preweighed porcelain crucible, weighed, ashed at 550C for two hours, cooled in a dessicator and reweighed. Crude fibre content was expressed as percentage loss in weight on ignition (AOAC 1997, Nesamvuni et al. 2001) 2.5. Determination of nitrogen content and estimation of crude protein Macro-Kjeldahl method was used to determine the nitrogen content of the 2 g of dried stem or fruits stem were digested in a 100 ml Kjeldahl digestion flask by boiling with 10 ml of concentrated tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid and a Kjeldahl digestion tablet (a catalyst) until the mixture was clear. The digest was filtered into a 100 ml volumetric flask and the solution made up to 100 ml with distilled water. Ammonia in the digest was steam distilled from 10 ml of the digest to which had been added 20 ml of 45% sodium hydroxide solution. The ammonia liberated was collected in 50 ml of 20% boric acid solution containing a mixed indicator. Ammonia was estimated by titrating with standard 0.01 mol L-1 HCl solution. Blank determination was carried out in a similar manner. Crude protein was estimated by multiplying the value obtained for percentage nitrogen content by a factor of 6.25 (AOAC 1997). 2.6. Estimation of carbohydrates and energy values Available carbohydrate was estimated by difference, by subtracting the total sum of percent crude protein, crude lipid, crude fibre and ash from 100% DW of the plant the plant calorific value (kJ) was estimated by multiplying the percentages of crude protein, crude lipid and carbohydrate by the factors 16.7, 37.7 and 16.7 respectively (AOAC 1997). 2.7. Mineral analysis The stem and leaves parts of Haloxylon salicornicum were analyzed for the mineral contents present. The wet digestion method (nitric and perchloric acid) was used in the preparation of the samples. Sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Lithium (Li) were determined using the standard flame emission photometer (Corning 410, USA). NaCl, KCl and LiCl were used as the standards (AOAC 1997). Phosphorus (P) and Sulpher (S) was determined calorimetrically using the Spectronic 20

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(Gallenkamp, UK) as described by Hansen et al. (2009). Nitrogen (Kjeldhal method); while Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Lead (Pb), Cobolt (Co), Nickel (Ni) and Chromium (Cr) was analyzed by Atomic Absorption A Analyst 100 (Perkin Elmer, USA) (Table 3). 2.8. Phytochemical analysis Stem and leaves parts of Haloxylon salicornicum were subjected to the qualitative phytochemical analysis. Extracted crude lipids from stem and leaves were subjected to elucidate the chemical properties of the crude lipids. Standard procedures of American Oil Chemist Society were used for indices values AOAC (AOAC 1997), procedures were applied for i.e; iodine value (standard 993.20, 1997), acid value (standard 969.17, 1997) and saponification value (standard 920.160, 1997) (Table 4). The crude powdered stem was analyzed for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins anthraquinones, bound anthraquinones, glycosides and cardiac glycosides according to established procedures (Harbone, 1973, Trease & Evans 1989, Brain & Turner 1989) (Table 5). 2.9. Statistical analysis Each experiment was repeated three times. The results are presented with their means and standard error. The results were prepared by using MS Excel 2003 version. All the experiments were performed at room temperature350C 2. The proximate results are expressed as percentage of sample on dry weight basis. The dry matter of the samples was determined by using the following formula; Dry matter % = 100 Moisture content 3. Results

Table 2 presents the results for proximate analysis of Haloxylon salicornicum stem and leaves. The analysis showed that Haloxylon salicornicum stem and leaves contain (21.23 %, 29.90 % respectively) moisture contents. The highest proximate bio-component was ash contents. The biochemical analysis shows that stem contains 51.2 % and leaves 50.80 % of total ash contents. The value of the crude lipid in the stem was 0.5 % while in leaves was1.35 %. Similarly, the value crude fiber obtained in stem was 5.06 % and in leaves was 15.44%. The total nitrogen content obtained in the stem and leaves of Haloxylon salicornicum were 1.78% and 1.25 % respectively. The value of 11.125 % and 7.812 % for crude protein was calculated in stem and leaves respectively. In the present investigation the starch contents in stem was found to be only 0.049 % but leaves contain

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3.12% of starch. The total carbohydrate contents obtained from H. salicornicum leaves were 25 % while in stem was 4.5 % only. Table 2: Chemical analysis of Haloxylon salicornicum Haloxylon salicornicum (mean DM* %) N=125 Stem Leaves 1 Moisture contents 21.230.4 29.900.4 2 Ash contents 51.200.4 50.850.5 3 Crude fiber 5.060.1 15.440.2 4 Crude lipid 0.500.09 1.3550.1 5 Crude Protein 11.120.1 7.8120.1 6 Nitrogen value 1.780.1 1.250.1 7 Starch value 0.0490.05 0.1320.05 8 Carbohydrates Total 4.500.1 25.00.4 9 Reducing sugars 0.760.09 0.50.09 10 Non reducing sugars 3.74 0.1 24.50.3 11 Calorific values (kcal/100g) 349.146.40 289.34.80 * The data are mean values deviation (SD) of three replicates Thangadari et al. (2001). DM* Dry Matter The present study also revealed the data of 10 essential elements (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, S, Pb, Co, Ni and Cr) investigated in the stem and leaves of Haloxylon salicornicum, naturally grown in the Cholistan Desert, Pakistan (Table 3). Table 3: Mineral analysis of Haloxylon salicornicum Haloxylon salicornicum (DM* %) Stem Leaves Sodium 1.200.1 3.910.1 1 Potassium 2.900.1 4.800.1 2 Calcium 4.10.1 3.000.1 3 Magnesium 48.500.3 39.000.3 4 Lead 0.140.05 0.250.07 5 Cobalt 0.100.06 0.100.05 6 Chromium 3.000.1 3.000.1 7 Nickel 0.070.06 0.0020.005 8 Sulpher 82.100.4 10.400.2 9 Phosphorous 22.500.4 2.000.1 10 * The data are mean values deviation (SD) of three replicates Thangadari et al. (2001). DM* Dry Matter The present studies showed the overall concentration of the sodium (1.2 %) in stem is lower than leaves (3.91 %). The leaves of H. salicornicum are rich for the potassium (4.8 %) than 2.9 Serial No. Parameter Serial No. Parameter

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% in the stem. The overall concentration of the calcium in stem was (4.1 %) which is higher than leaves (3 %). The study showed that stem parts of Haloxylon salicornicum have higher concentration of phosphorous 22.50% then in leaves 2.0%. Similarly, the stem of the plant has higher concentration (48 %) of magnesium whereas in leaves contain (39 %). The overall concentration of the sulphur in stem is (82.10 %) which is higher than leaves (10.40 %). The results showed that the minerals lead, chromium, nickel, and cobalt are found at the trace amount in both studied parts of the plant except chromium which has higher amount (3.0%) then others (Table 3). The iodine value for stem and leaves of H. salicornicum is 9.04 % and 4.09 % respectively (Table 4). Similarly, the acid value in the stem and leaves of H. salicornicum was found to be 12.15 % and 0.253 % respectively (Table 4). The higher saponification values were obtained from stem (16.83% then in leaves (9.048%) (Table 4). Table 4: Crude Lipids Indices of Haloxylon salicornicum Haloxylon salicornicum (DM* %) Stem Leaves Iodine value 9.040.1 4.0960.1 1 Acid value 12.150.2 0.2530.05 2 Saponification Value 16.830.3 9.0480.3 3 * The data are mean values deviation (SD) of three replicates Thangadari et al. (2001). The phytochemical analysis of the plant stem and leaves showed the presence of major metabolites of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and cardiac glycosides (Table 5). The number of positive signs indicates the intensity of the reactions that reflects the quantity of phytogroup present in the extract. Table 5: Phytochemical analysis of Haloxylon salicornicum Serial No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 +, Positive test Parameter Alkaloids Flavonoids Saponins Tanins Glycosides&Cardiac Glycosides Anthraquionone& Bound anthraquinone , negative test Haloxylon salicornicum Stem Leaves ++++ ++++ + +++ ++++ +++ +++ ++++ ++++, quantitative presence ++++ Serial No. Parameter

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4.

Discussion

According to the results presented in the present study, significant differences among accessions for nutritive and minerals indices were evident. However, not all the parameters studied appeared to be equally useful for screening of the accessions of the plant for sensitivity to nutritive values. The proximate analysis includes the analysis of ash contents, moisture, carbohydrates, starch, crude lipids, crude proteins, and crude fiber (Table 2). Total moisture contents of the plants helps in determining the actual weight of plant body. The amount of the moisture in the plants usually affected by the habitats includes the climatic conditions, plant texture and soil types of that area (Stewart 1989). Haloxylon salicornicum stem and leaves contain (21.23 %, 29.90 % respectively) moisture contents which is within the range of other plants from Cholistan desert reported i.e., 87.90 % in Suaeda fruticosa (Rashid et al. 2001); 67.02 % in Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Karamat et al. 2002) and 8.9 % in Panicum antidotale (Glu-e-Rana et al. 1990) respectively. The highest proximate bio-component was ash contents. The high values of ash contents (51.2 % in stem and 50.80 % in leaves) may attribute to the saline nature of soil where the plant grows. This may causes accumulation of minerals in this halophytic specie. This indicates that Haloxylon salicornicum contains higher amounts of mineral elements and can be used as a minerals rich feeding source for browsing animals. The crude lipid values (stem, 0.5 % and leaves, 1.35 %) are in the range reported by Shad et al. (2002) and Karamat et al. (2002), which confirmed that the plant rich in lipid contents and can be used as a good source of the lipids. The crude fiber values obtained (Stem, 5.06 % and leaves, 15.44%) are in agreement with the results reported previously (Rashid et al. 1999, Karamat et al. 2002). These results show that leaves are good source of the crude fibers than the stem parts. However both in combination can enhance the forage quality and other nutritional parameters of the plant for livestocks. The total nitrogen content obtained in the stem and leaves of Haloxylon salicornicum were 1.78% and 1.25 % respectively showing a good nitrogenous feeding source. Crude protein values (Stem, 11.125 % and leaves, 7.812 %) is obtained by multiplying the nitrogen content with 6.25 factor. These values are higher than 0.01% obtained previously in Fagonia arabica (Qiaser et al. 1997), 5.20 % in Cymbopogon Jwarancusa (Karamat et al. 2002), 3.26 % in Panicum antidotale (Gul-e-Rana et al.1990) but is in agreement with (Rashid et al. 1999) 7% value obtained in the of

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leaves Glinus lotoide, hence it can be predicted that Haloxylon salicornicum is a good source of nitrogen and plant protein on its own. In the present investigation the starch contents in stem were found to be only 0.049 % predicting that stem of H. salicornicum is not a good source of this component but leaves contain 3.12 %, which can be used as a rich source of starch in animal forages. The total carbohydrate contents obtained from H. salicornicum (stem, 4.5 % and leaves, 25 %) are higher than the value of 0.71% in Fagonia arabica (Qiaser et al. 1997), 0.66 % in Suaeda fruticosa and 2.4 % Glinus lotoide (Rashid et al. 1999) suggesting that the stem and leaves of H. salicornicum are good sources for carbohydrates on their own compared to other food sources. The calorific value of H. salicornicum was estimated to be 349.14 kcal/100 g (DW) for stem and 289.3 kcal/100 g (DW) for leaves, which is an indication that it could be an important source of dietary calorie. High calorific content of the stem could be attributed to high carbohydrates and protein contents. These investigations indicate that Haloxylon salicornicum possesses rich amount of valuable feeding components as compared to the other plants analyzed from Cholistan desert and can effectively be used as a good feeding source. Minerals are essential for plants. A number of valuable mineral elements have been identified in the different plants species of Cholistan Desert (Iqbal et al. 1981, Gul-e-Rana et al. 1990, Qaiser et al. 1997, Rashid et al. 2001, Arshad et al. 2002). In the present investigation, ten different minerals such as Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, S, Pb, Co, Ni and Cr were analysed in the stem and leaves of Haloxylon salicornicum collected from Cholistan Desert. The present study revealed the higher levels of sodium in Haloxylon salicornicum; however the amount of sodium in stem is within the range for the plants reported earlier (Qaiser et al. 1997, Rashid et al. 1999, 2001, Hussian 2002, Saadat 2006). The level of the potassium in the leaves and stem are within the range of the standard values (0.5 % - 5 %) of potassium in the plants reported earlier (Hoffmann & Der 2003). The potassium value in stem is in close agreement with results (2.6 %) obtained in Fagonia arabica (Qaiser et al.1997) and 2.7 % in Euphorbia prostrata (Karamat et al. 2001). The levels of potassium in the leaves are below than 5 % in Salsola baryosma leaves (Ahmed et al. 2006). Hence this plant can be a good source of the potassium for nutritional supplements for livestock. Calcium is the secondary macronutrient and an important constituent of the cell walls. In human beings it plays a

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vital role in neuromuscular function, many enzyme-mediated processes and blood clotting, as well as providing rigidity to the skeleton (Brown & Hebert 1997). The overall concentration of the calcium (4.1 %) in stem is higher than leaves (3 %) and the standard concentration values of calcium in plants (0.3 % to 2.5 %) (Hoffmann & Der 2003). These values for calcium in stem and leaves were within the range reported for other plants by Qaiser et al. (1997) and Rashid et al. (1999). The present study showed that stem of H. salicornicum contain good amount of calcium in it and could be a good source for minerals used in bone formation. The study showed that stem parts of Haloxylon salicornicum have higher concentration of phosphorous than standard concentrations reported for the plants i.e., 0.05 % - 0.3 % (Hoffmann & Der 2003). Therefore extracts of these plants can be used in the synthesis of phosphrous containing drugs. Similarly, Magnesium found in the plant body with distinctive functions. It activates much wider range of enzymatic systems besides calcium and its low levels in the herbage induce disorders in livestock (Stewart 1989). The proximate analysis of Haloxylon salicornicum showed that stem part of this plant have 48 % and leave 39 % magnesium. The result revealed that plant stem and leaves both could be used effectively in magnesium deficient diets and forages as a good source of magnesium. Sulphur (secondary macronutrients) accumulates in the plants as sulphate (Rennenberg 1984) and available as an elemental component with nitrogen, lipids and proteins from plants body (Hoffmann & Der 2003). Table 3 shows that Haloxylon salicornicum plant stem and leaves are rich in sulphur contents. These concentration also higher even than the standard concentration ranges of sulphur reported in plants i.e., 0.08% - 0.5 % (Stewart 1989), indicating that this plant contain appreciable amount of sulphur containing components and can serve as a good source of sulphur for sulphur containing drugs. Beside the macronutrient there are many other minerals, which constitute the plant body and are present in the trace amounts. Haloxylon salicornicum stem and the leaves were studied for lead, chromium, nickel, and cobalt. The results (Table 3) showed that these minerals were found at the trace amount in both parts except chromium. The higher amount of the chromium was found in the stem and leaves of H.salicornicum which may attribute to the effect that this element is widely distributed in trace amounts in soils and vegetation. However its amount in the basic and igneous

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soils is relatively higher (Hoffmann & Der 2003). Therefore it can cause the greater accumulation of chromium in H. salicornicum, where it grows. The iodine value for stem and leaves of H. salicornicum is 9.04 % and 4.09 % respectively (Table 4). These values are higher than the other non-conventional crude lipids /oils sources such as Fagonia arabica (0.10 %), Suaeda fruticosa (0.02 %) and Cymbopogon jwarancusa (1.6 %) (Qaiser et al. 1997, Rashid et al. 2001, Karamat et al. 2002). These indices suggest that H. salicornicum has higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids than other wild plants from Cholistan area. Therefore this plant can be used as a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids. The stem and leaves of H. salicornicum showed the acid value of 12.15 % and 0.253 % respectively (Table 4). This value is almost in conformity with the specifications of edible oils (1 -7% of oleic acid ), and is in agreement with earlier results (Karamat et al. 2002, Qaiser et al. 1997, Rashid et al. 1999, 2001). The low acidity value was obtained in the leaves, which is an indication of a stable lipid at the room temperature (Codex Alimentairus 1993) thus enhancing the value of leaves as a best feeding source. Saponification gives the indication of the short and long chain free fatty acids present in the oil (Howard et al. 1982).The higher saponification values obtained in both i.e. stem and leave. However stem of the plant have much higher saponification value than the leaves (Table 4), shows that stem contains long chain free fatty acids than the leaves. The presence of these carboxylic acids indicated that the plant could show the antimicrobial activity which needs to study further. The overall results for lipids characterization indicate that the crude lipid obtained from the stem and leaves of H. salicornicum can be utilize in food chemistry by enhancing its medicinal and nutritive value. The phytochemical analysis of the plant revealed (Table 5) the presence of major metabolites of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and cardiac glycosides. The number of positive signs indicates the intensity of the reactions that reflects the quantity of phytogroup present in the extract. Anthraquinones, bound anthraquionone and flavonoids were absent. Earlier reported work (Varro et al. 1998, Obadoni & Ochuko 2001, Edeoga et al. 2005, Mallikharjuna et al. 2007, Ayoola et al. 2008, Akharaiyi & Bolatito, 2010, Abdulgafar et al. 2011, Vaghasiya et al. 2011) revealed the physiological and medicinal importance of saponins, alkaloids, glycosides and cardiac glycosides obtained from the medicinal plants. In comparison to the importance of these reported

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results it is suggested that H. salicornicum stem and leaves can be used in respiratory stimulants, blood vessels contractions, muscles relaxant and as a laxative drugs. Moreover this plant can also be used in local aesthetic, cardiac specific glycosides and many other analgesics. The further studies on the phytochemical analysis of this plant are in progress in our laboratory to elucidate more divers and medicinally important phytogroups. 5. Conclusions

The purpose of this study was the assessment of the nutritive and medicinal value of Haloxylon salicornicum. It has been observed that Halaoxylon salicornicum contained rich amount of the essential minerals and bio-components. These results could be a starting point for a valuable knowledge resource, allowing better mineral sources selection and nutritional status of the diet of local populations and grazing animals of Cholistan Desert. Moreover, preliminary phytochemicals results dicussed during this study could be a base for the future investigation of medicinal and clinically valuable components. References Abdullah, M., Akram, M., Khan, A.D. & Qureshi, R.H. 1990. Internal water resources management by plants under various root environment stresses with special reference to kallar grass Leptochloa Fusca. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Water Resources Development and its Management in Arid Areas, Quetta, Pakistan. 12.pp. Abdulgafar, O.J., Halilu, M.E., Aminu, C., Umar, M.T. & Shuaibu, H.A. 2011. Phytochemical Screening and antifungal evaluation of methanolic extract of Schwenckia americana L. (Solanaceae). Continental Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology Research, 4: 1 4. Abuye, C., Urga, K., Knapp, H., Selmar, D., Omwega, A., Imungi, J. & Winterhalter, P.A. 2003. Survey of wild, green, leafy vegetables and their potential in combating micronutrient deficiencies in rural populations. East African Medical Journal, 80: 247-252. Ahmad, F. 1999. Ecological restoration in Cholistan, Journal Geographical Sciences, 2: 34-38. Ahmad, F. 2002. Sustainable management of groundwater in the drylands of Pakistan, Proceedings of 2nd South Asia Water Forum, Islamabad Pakistan, pp.93-101.

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