Abstract
Many wild edible plants have been traditionally used as foods and medicines among various ethnic groups. However, information about the nutrient components of these plants has yet to be scientifically tested. Therefore, this study evaluated the nutrient components of selected wild edible plants. It was found that nutrient content considerably varied among all the selected species. Digera muricata has the richest protein content among the selected plant species, and Dioscorea bulbifera has the highest fat content. Similarly, Spondias pinnata and Boerhavia diffusa were rich sources of vitamin-C and vitamin-E, respectively. D. muricata was found to be promising future food based on overall nutrient composition. These plants can offer a basis for developing dietary supplements and nutraceuticals on a commercial scale. Thus, scientific evaluation and validation of such underutilised plants and their products may prove an alternative future food.
Highlights
Indigenous people of any particular region use various wild plants for their food, medicines, and other economic products
Digera muricata was found to be promising future food based on overall nutrient composition
Fruits and tubers are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, carotenoids but generally minor in proteins and minerals, whereas seeds are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids
Summary
Indigenous people of any particular region use various wild plants for their food, medicines, and other economic products. Many of these wild plants have been documented for their utilization as future foods and medicines based on these people's information. Information about the nutrient components of many wild edible plants has yet to be scientifically tested. This study evaluated the nutrient components of selected wild edible plants
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