Abstract

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels significantly impact plant functions, including growth and nutritional quality. Despite the known benefits of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) on crop yield, limited research investigates its effects on the nutritional content of tropical leafy vegetables like Celosia argentea. This study examines how increased CO2 affects growth parameters as well as antioxidant properties in Celosia argentea. Results demonstrate that increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure positively influences plant growth, with higher leaf counts and enhanced growth observed at elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Proximate analysis reveals changes in moisture, ash, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, and protein content, suggesting complex responses to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2). Notably, antioxidant activity varies across carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, with different assays showing contrasting trends. Lipid Peroxidation levels fluctuate, while reduced glutathione levels rise with increasing carbon dioxide (CO2), indicating a potential stimulation of antioxidant production. Furthermore, inhibitory activities against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase increase with carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, suggesting potential health benefits in managing conditions like diabetes. Overall, this research underscores the importance of considering carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in assessing the nutritional and medicinal value of tropical leafy vegetables like Celosia argentea.