Traditional underutilized fruits of Himalaya: A review

Abstract

In the present era of pandemics, unveiling the importance of underutilized and neglected plants having therapeutic potential is essential. Also, the shift towards natural and herbal treatments from allopathic treatments is observed these days; indicating the biomedical implications of various plants and plant-based sources for ameliorating human health. Apart from health issues, hunger index has also been increasing alarmingly indicating the importance of bringing to table, the food options that have a good nutritional profile yet gets wasted in tons. Hence, the present review discusses about the nutritional relevance, potential bioactive components, and uses of the selected underused fruits from Himachal Pradesh. Western Himalayan state, Himachal Pradesh is a store house of amazing biodiversity, especially for wild eatable plant materials. Wild plants perform a significant role in meeting food requirements. People living in villages use wild plants frequently rather than the population lives in cities around the world. They use innumerable plants for their daily needs such as food, fodder, wood and to treat various diseases too. Himachal Pradesh is a horticultural state of the country and specially known for apples. In addition to major fruits, the various underutilized fruits are largely grown as scattered plantations in different zones of the state, which are being used by the local inhabitants. The wild fruits were principal wellspring of nourishment for human before beginning of civilization and development of the natural products as of now. These fruits have good nutritional profile including many bioactive compounds which are helpful in management of various diseases like protein energy malnutrition (PEM), anemia and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). These low-cost food options i.e., TUFs with various health benefits might turn out to a boon for humanity as they will serve the various causes for every socio-economic group.