A Comparative Study of Nutraceutical Values of Ziziphus Spina Christi (Sidr) from the Origin of Fujairah, UAE, with Same Specie from Different Origin and Leafy Vegetables

Background: Ziziphus Spina Christi is a native plant that grows in tropical regions, especially in the Middle East. Also, it spread widely in the Emirates of Fujairah. Ziziphus Spina Christi provides health benefits due to carrying a large amount of magnesium, iron, and calcium. Methods: The nutritional and mineral assessment has been done by international standard technologies (Association of Official Analytical Chemists, AOAC 2001.11, AOAC 920.39, AOAC 962.29, AOAC 942.05). Results: This study was carried out to determine the benefits of Ziziphus Spina Christi as a potential source of vital nutrients and minerals. The proximate mineral concentration analysis of the selected leafy vegetables has a low quantity of mineral contents compared to the Ziziphus Spina Christi. Conclusion: The study concluded the significant nutraceutical importance of Ziziphus Spina Christi from the origin of Fujairah, UAE. It?s nutritional and mineral potential is far higher than the leafy vegetables used in daily life. The comparison analysis depicts an interesting fact of involvement of the environmental condition with the nutritional potential of the plants. The Ziziphus Spina Christi from the Fujairah origin has higher nutritional and mineral values than the same plant species from the origin of Nigeria. Moreover, it is an agro-economically favorable plant which can be used as high calcium, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium diet and dietary supplement.