Wild Edible Fruits Research Articles

Optimization of mucilage extraction from Ximenia americana seed using response surface methodology

Ximenia americana is a wild edible fruit essential for human consumption due to its high nutritional and phytochemical constituents with significant antioxidant activity. The fruit seed has high potential in its mucilage content. The present study aimed at optimization of mucilage extraction from the Ethiopian cultivar of Ximeina americana fruit seed. The response surface methodology based on a central composite rotatable design was used for the optimization of aqueous extraction of mucilage. The extraction temperature (50–80 °C), time (1.5–4 h), and water-to-seed ratio (20:1–40:1 v/w) were identified as the major factors influencing mucilage yield, water holding capacity, and protein content. Water to seed ratio and time showed significant (p < 0.01) interaction effect on yield. Interactions of water to seed ratio with time and temperature had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the protein content. Water holding capacity of the mucilage was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the interaction between temperature and time. Optimum extraction processing conditions were obtained to be extraction temperature of 65.06 °C, time of 1.5 h and water to seed ratio of 37.62:1 v/w. The response variables at this operating conditions were found to be extraction yield of 17.31 %, water holding capacity of 11.48 g/g and protein content of 1.75 %. The result demonstrated that the X. americana seed mucilage could be used as a new source of additives in the dairy industry as a fat replacer due to its potent water holding capacity.

Nutritional value and antioxidant properties of Viburnum mullaha Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don fruit from central Nepal

Viburnum mullaha is a popular wild edible fruit widely distributed in Nepal's mid-hills. Locals consume the fruits of the plants raw and use them to treat a variety of diseases. High value of fat (15%) and protein (3.94%) was evaluated in the seed compared to the pulp with fat 2.1% and protein 1.17%. Both the pulp and the seed exhibited high values of total phenolic content (3346.1 1 ± 0.05 and 2331.03 ± 0.02 mg QAEs/100 g respectively). The samples showed weak antioxidant activity when evaluated by diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assay as 50% of radical scavenging activity were 1350 ± 0.01 μg/mL and 1340 ± 0.77 μg/mL, respectively. The presence of minerals (iron, copper, manganese, and zinc) was evaluated by absorption atomic spectroscopy (AAS). The pulp contained iron and zinc whereas the seed contained iron, manganese, and zinc. The pulp methanolic extract at selected concentrations (125, 62.5, 31.25, and 15.63 mg/mL) did not show any inhibitory effect against the tested bacterial strains. These findings suggest the fruit to be rich in fats, total phenolic content, weak antioxidants, possesses micronutrients in trace amounts, and does not hold antibacterial properties at the selected concentrations.

Nutritional value and antioxidant properties of Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel., fruit from midhills of western Nepal

Fruit consumption has long been recognized for its beneficial impact on human health. Persimmon fruit (Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel.) is a popular wild edible fruit distributed in mid-hill regions of Western Nepal and is used in treatment of various ailments by local people. Although, persimmon is a popular fruit, its significant nutritive values and bioactive compounds are still unexplored in Nepal. This research on nutritional and phytochemical analysis of persimmon fruit pulp was carried out using standardized analytical methods (Association of Official Analytical Chemists, AOAC) and microplate spectrophotometry with ultraviolet (UV) detection. The results revealed that the fruit is rich in sugar (66.52±2.17 mg /g), fiber (103.95 mg/g), ash (107.44 mg/g) and total phenolic content (112±2.89 mg GAEs/g) and the mild supplier of antioxidants.

Botanical, Phytochemical, Anti-Microbial and Pharmaceutical Characteristics of Hawthorn (Crataegusmonogyna Jacq.), Rosaceae.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) is a wild edible fruit tree of the genus Crataegus, one of the most interesting genera of the Rosaceae family. This review is the first to consider, all together, the pharmaceutical, phytochemical, functional and therapeutic properties of C. monogyna based on numerous valuable secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, vitamin C, glycoside, anthocyanin, saponin, tannin and antioxidants. Previous reviews dealt with the properties of all species of the entire genera. We highlight the multi-therapeutic role that C. monogyna extracts could have in the treatment of different chronic and degenerative diseases, mainly focusing on flavonoids. In the first part of this comprehensive review, we describe the main botanical characteristics and summarize the studies which have been performed on the morphological and genetic characterization of the C. monogyna germplasm. In the second part, the key metabolites and their nutritional and pharmaceutical properties are described. This work could be an essential resource for promoting future therapeutic formulations based on this natural and potent bioactive plant extract.

Agrobiodiversity and Natural Resource Management in Traditional Agricultural Systems of Northeast India

North-East India, which falls under the Indian Eastern Himalayan region and forms part of two global biodiversity hotspots, is well-known for its rich diversity of flora, fauna, cultures and traditional knowledge systems. Agriculture is the main occupation of the communities living in this region supplemented by utilization of wild useful species from the nearby forests. Traditional agriculture in North-East India follows mixed cropping pattern through multi-cropping, crop rotation, use of multipurpose nitrogen (N)-fixing trees, along with protection of semi-domesticated and wild biodiversity, including medicinal plants, wild edible fruits and vegetables, fodder plants and other useful species. Presently, there has been a gradual shifting from subsistence cultivation to commercial agriculture driven by market forces and modernization, leading to transition from traditional to intensive agriculture and monoculture of cash crops. This has resulted in reduced cultivation of local crop varieties and disappearance of the associated traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Therefore, the present study attempts to review the contribution of traditional agricultural practices to agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management. Relevant traditional practices such as shifting (Jhum) cultivation systems, bamboo-drip irrigation, paddy-cum-fish cultivation, traditional agroforestry systems of different Indigenous communities residing in different states of North-East India were mentioned in this review. It is undeniable that TEK was developed by communities through many centuries by trial-and-error methods to conform to the local climate, topography, ecology and socio-cultural relevance to the concerned Indigenous communities. This knowledge, therefore, has a great scope for improvement by integration with scientific knowledge for transforming into sustainable agricultural systems in the face of climate change adaptation and mitigation of the vulnerable mountain communities of the Himalayan region.

Phenolic Profiles and Biological Activities of Extracts from Edible Wild Fruits Ehretia tinifolia and Sideroxylon lanuginosum.

Ehretia tinifolia Linnaeus (Boraginacea) and Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michaux (Sapotaceae) are wild fruits consumed in North America and are appreciated for their pleasant flavor and sweet taste. However, details regarding their composition and biological properties in the available literature are scarce. This study reports the phenolic composition, antioxidant, antiproliferative activities, and digestive enzymatic inhibition of amberlite-retained methanolic extracts from both fruits. Results revealed that these wild fruit extracts are rich in antioxidants. S. lanuginosum had lower phenolic but higher flavonoid contents (21.4 ± 1.5 mg GAE/100 g FW and 6.42 ± 0.9 mg CE/100 g FW) than E. tinifolia (64.7 ± 2.6 mg GAE/100 g FW and 5.1 ± 0.4 mg CE/100 g FW). HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis showed rosmarinic acid as a major polyphenol in E. tinifolia and quercetin glucoside in S. lanuginosum. Polyphenols content in E. tinifolia was related to a significant free radical scavenging ability: DPPH (EC50 = 0.32 ± 0.03 mg/mL), TEAC (4134 ± 9.7 μM TE/g dry extract), and hemolysis inhibition (IC50 = 58.55 ± 2.4 μg/mL). Both extracts were capable of inhibiting α-glucosidase, partially inhibiting α-amylase, and showed no inhibition against lipase, while showing antiproliferative activity against HeLa, HT-29 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Our study revealed that these wild fruit extracts are rich in health-beneficial phytochemicals and hold significant potential for elaborating functional foods.

Phytochemicals, mineral contents and antioxidant property of wild edible fruits of Sikkim Himalaya

This study aimed to investigate four wild edible fruits of Sikkim Himalaya viz. Baccaurea sapida, Diploknema butyracea, Machilus edulis and Spondias axillaris for their mineral, phytochemicals (ascorbic acid, β-carotene, flavonoids, lycopene, and total phenolic contents) and antioxidant property. The total phenolic and lycopene contents were found maximum in S. axillaris subsequently in by M. edulis , D. butyraceae and B. sapida . S. axillaris also showed the highest antioxidant activities and contains significantly higher concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and iron. The amount of ascorbic acid was observed highest in D. butyracea , followed by S. axillaris, B. sapida and M. edulis, whereas β-carotene was found to be highest in M. edulis . Results reinforce the promotion of these underutilized wild edible fruits, especially, S. axillaris and M. edulis as natural sources of phytochemicals, minerals and antioxidant compounds for food and pharmaceutical industries.

Processing Effect on Antioxidant Composition of Processed Products of Wild Edible Fruits of Sikkim Himalayas

The processing effect on the processed products of wild edible fruits found in Sikkim Himalayas namely Chuirri (Diploknema butyracea), Achuk (Hippophae salicifolia), Mehel (Docynia indica), Muslendi (Elaeagnus latifolia) and Famphal (Machilus edulis) was quantified in this study. The value of the fruits is high enough to contribute and enhance the nutrient daily requirements of humans. Therefore, a study to assess the loss or change in their antioxidant composition before and after processing was carried out. The phytochemical characteristics of the fruits were analyzed according to standard methods on both the fresh and its various processed products. Comparing all the five wild fruits and their processed products, it was observed that there was a significant loss of nutrients during processing which occurred in its bioactive compound and composition of their processed foods. Although it has a potential to be a source of antioxidants, other nutrients also implement for utilization as food preserves and consumed in the form of food supplements. It will be promote the nutritional potential of the wild fruits as well as add value to the processed products among local people for consumer acceptability which can be further fortified as export items and to uplift the socio-economic status of the local community.

Ethnobotanical Study of Underutilized Wild Edible Fruits and their Antibacterial Activity against Human Pathogens

Nine underutilized wild edible fruits collected from four districts of Tripura, a North-Eastern state of India were studied for the antibacterial properties against five (5) human pathogens, Escherichia coli (Gram–Ve, ATCC-2522), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram–Ve, ATCC-27853), Salmonella typhi (Gram –Ve, ATCC-14028), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram +Ve, ATCC-25923) and Klebsiella pneumonia (Gram–Ve, ATCC-700603) by disk diffusion method. Besides, the folk medicinal values and their ethnobotanical importance are also reported. Out of the nine (9) wild edible fruits, C. macroptera and S. dulcis showed the least antibacterial effect against all the bacterial pathogens under the present study. On the other hand, G. gummi-gutta and A. lacucha showed considerable antibacterial effects against all of the bacterial pathogens with the highest zone of inhibition against E. coli, followed by P. aeruginosa. Selective inhibitory effect of some of the wild edible fruits was also observed against the targeted pathogens. This study paves the way for using the underutilized wild fruits of the North-Eastern region of India as a potential source of antipathogenic activity of human pathogens. Further, a detailed study may help in identifying the bioactive compound of industrial importance.

Critical Review on Wild-Edible Fruit Species in Ethiopia

Wild edible fruit species are commonly consumed and utilized in different parts of Ethiopia for staple food, filling seasonal food shortages, emergency food during a famine, and household income generation. There is a pressing need for domestication and improvement of some wild edible fruits for increased production, diversifying income for small-scale farmers, and conservation of the diminishing wild edible fruit resources. A total of 37 widely utilized and marketed wild edible fruit species falling into 23 families were recognized as of used in different parts of the country. Of which, 26 species are identified as available in local markets in different parts of the country. Ziziphus spina-christi, Syzygium guineense, Balanites aegyptiaca, and other nine species were identified as a priority wild edible fruit species from available information based on utilization extent, preference ranking by farmers, product marketability, and conservation needs for the species. There exists a lack of scientifically planned genetic variation evaluation, superior variety selection, genetic improvement, and seedling production initiatives for indigenous wild edible fruit species in Ethiopia. All of the 37 widely utilized and marketed wild fruit species have not developed to their full potential in terms of quality, production scale, and market in the country. Identifying and selecting priority species, strengthening botanical information, germplasm collection and improvement, production and processing technologies, increasing the supply of improved planting materials, and promoting on-farm cultivation of wild edible fruit-based agroforestry systems were identified as key future strategies for domestication and wider cultivation of wild edible fruit species.

South African wild fruits and vegetables under a changing climate: The implications on health and economy

Overdependence on exotic plant species constitutes a major setback for the consumption of wild fruits and vegetables among South Africans. The country is not spared from the adverse effects of climate change which play a substantial role in altering the ecosystem and have a ripple effect on food security. Wild fruits and vegetables have been identified to be underutilized despite the country's struggle in nourishing its population. This paper reviewed the impacts of climate change on the phenology, physiology, and economic benefits of wild fruits and vegetables in South Africa. Furthermore, spatial-based data was used to evaluate the possible productivity of wild fruits and vegetables through land use/land cover (LULC) assessment. The result showed that South Africa had varied vegetation and land cover dynamics. For example, Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces are dominated by shrubland and barren land, thus unsuitable for fruit and vegetable production. In contrast, Limpopo, North-West, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State, some parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces are covered with grassland and cultivated areas which made them good for vegetable farming and potential ground for wild fruit and vegetable cultivation. Thus, there is a need to develop cultivation strategies for edible wild fruits and vegetables with known nutritional characteristics to expand knowledge about nutritional benefits and options in utilizing the wild species. This will boost the country's economy, help to improve diet, and can play a crucial role in food security.

Traditional uses, nutrition, phytochemistry and various pharmacological properties of Indian wild pear (Review)

The consumption of wild edible fruits for nutritional and medicinal benefits has been known for a long time. These naturally occurring fruit plants can thrive well under adverse climatic conditions and are being harvested and marketed locally. <em>Pyrus pashia</em> (<em>P. pashia</em>; Buch.‑Ham. ex D. Don; family, Rosaceae), commonly known as ‘wild edible or Himalayan pear’ is one of such underutilized trees. It is widely distributed in temperate regions up to an altitude of 2,000 m in Western Himalaya. It has broad applications in traditional therapeutics for the treatment of diseases, such as eye infections, sore throat, diarrhea, stomach disorders and other infectious diseases. Chlorogenic acid, flavan‑3‑ols, gallic acid, tannins, alkaloids, hydroquinone, terpenoids and its isomers have been isolated and identified from the leaf, fruit, flower and bark portion of <em>P. pashia</em>. The phytochemicals present in the <em>P. pashia</em> tree may be responsible for the traditional beneficial health effects of the plant. Numerous scientific studies on <em>P. pashia</em> have validated the general uses of the plant by the native population; however, the data on its pharmacological properties and the mechanisms involved are insufficient. The present review aimed to provide a critical evaluation of the distribution, traditional uses, phytochemicals present, pharmacological activities and nutritional value of different plant parts of <em>P. pashia</em>. Detailed research is required on individual phytochemicals present and toxicological studies at the gene level. In‑depth molecular studies may also confirm the various pharmaceutical claims for the development of novel pharmaceutical drugs and functional food products.

Bioactive compounds and biological activities of Elaegnus latifolia L.: An underutilized fruit of North-East Himalaya, India

Growing health concerns have led to a substantial increase in the demand for edible plants that provide health benefits over and above basic nutrition. As the demand for food with promising health benefits increases, search for wild edible plants having medicinal and nutritional properties also increases. In view of this, in the present study, Elaeagnus latifolia L., an underutilized wild edible fruit of Sikkim Himalaya, India, has been investigated for minerals, bioactive compounds, and biological activities. The outcomes of the study revealed that potassium (610.13 mg/100 g) is the most abundant mineral found in E. latifolia, followed by phosphorus (228.99 mg/100 g), calcium (46.67 mg/100 g), magnesium (42.82 mg/100 g), and sodium (5.58 mg/100 g) with traces of iron (17.27 mg/100 g), zinc (0.25 mg/100 g), copper (2.59 mg/100 g) and manganese (5.84 mg/100 g). Ascorbic acid, lycopene, and β-carotene were also present in adequate amount. The IC50 values in 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays were recorded as 2394.06 µg ml−1 and 58.41 µg ml−1, respectively, indicating the good antioxidant potential of this wild edible fruit. Further, fruit extract showed very good antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial pathogen and fungal phytopathogen with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of 170-410 µg ml−1 for bacteria and 30- 410 µg ml−1 for fungal pathogens. Three organic acids namely, tartaric, pyruvic, and oxalic acid and four polyphenols gallic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and catechin were quantified using HPLC-PDA analysis. As the fruit extract exhibited good antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and contains bioactive compounds and minerals, it can be widely used by pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for functional product development.

Variation of Phenolics (Bound and Free), Minerals, and Antioxidant Activity of Twenty-Eight Wild Edible Fruits of Twenty-Three Species from Far North Region of Cameroon.

The present study is aimed at investigating the variation of phenolics (bound and free), minerals, and antioxidant potentials of the wild edible fruits (fresh and dry) native from Far North Region of Cameroon. The results showed significant (p < 0.01) differences among fruits and species for all parameters. Bound phenolic content (mgGAE/100 g) of dry fruits (DF) ranged from 95.58 to 407.72; however, the contents were varied from 28.97 to 306.04 in fresh fruits (FF). Free phenolic content varied from 46.43 to 344.73 in DF and fold from 119.54 to 315.79 for those FF. Flavonoids (4.27-256.87 mg QE/100 g), tannins (3.24-63.42 mg CE/100 g), and anthocyanin content (8.65-168.10 mg C3GE/100 g) in fruits varied also significantly in respect with DF and FF. The mineral content analysis indicates that the wild fruits are rich in valuable macro- and trace elements. For antioxidant activities, except high 2.2-diphenyl-1-picyhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity obtained with free phenolics, the bound phenolics of FF and DF had significantly high ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzylthiozoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging activity. Furthermore, free and bound phenolic content was highly and positively correlated with ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP activities confirmed by the principal component analysis (F1×F2: 60.17%). The present study revealed that the wild edible fruits of twenty-three species investigated are important sources of bioactive compounds, natural antioxidants, and nutraceutical potential to prevent/to treat chronic diseases which could be benefits for the consumers.

Bioactive composition, free radical scavenging and fatty acid profile of Ximenia americana grown in Ethiopia

Ximenia americana is among wild edible fruit indigenous to Ethiopia. The fruit reported as indispensable source of phytochemicals and health imparting components. However, the phytochemicals constituents, antioxidant activities and fatty acid profile of Ethiopian X. americana cultivar studies are still scarce. This research aimed at evaluation of flesh and seed of Ethiopian X. americana yellow and red colored cultivars for bioactive component, antioxidant activities, fatty acid profiles and physicochemical characteristics. The red fruit flesh had higher total phenol (3292.60 mg GAE/100 g) while yellow fruit flesh showed higher total flavonoid (173.95 mg quercetin/100g). The higher DPPH∗ radical scavenging activity (97%) was observed in red fruit flesh due to its higher phenolic content. The yellow X. americana seed (90.69 mg QE/100g) had higher total flavonoid contents than the red seed (18.64 mg QE/100g). The dominant unsaturated fatty acid found in red X. americana flesh was oleic acid (26.29%), and the main saturated fatty acid detected was palmitic acid (29.78%). The seed also had high unsaturated fatty acid which was elaidic acid, (84.32%). Ximeninic acid (12.78%) which is expected to be detected in Ximenia americana seed oil was also observed. The highest content of fat (52.23%) and protein (16.59%) was obtained in yellow fruit seed and the lowest fat content observed in yellow flesh (7.25%). Most abundant minerals were calcium (42.45–49.55 mg/100g) and manganese (26.73–33.92 mg/100g) in seeds. Whereas, fleshs displayed higher magnesium (76.3–98.27 mg/100g) and copper (1.35–1.52 mg/100g) contents. The Ethiopian X. americana fruit cultivars represent high nutritional and medicinal values despite variation related to genetic variability.

Comparative and variability analysis of different drying methods on phytochemical, antioxidant and phenolic contents of Ficus auriculata Lour. Fruit

IntroductionRoxburgh Fig is a deciduous evergreen tree grown in a tropical region with wild edible fleshy fruits. They can be eaten raw or cooked, used in jams, juice and curries. The drying of fleshy fruits using thermal processing is an important method to preserve nutraceuticals. This study describes the effects of sun, hot air oven and microwave drying method on Ficus auriculata fruit polyphenol contents. MethodsThe fleshy fruits were dried and the extraction was made out using 80% methanol with a sonicator. The HPLC-DAD analysis was performed using an analytical instrument equipped with LC 20 AP binary solvent pump, SPD N 20A diode array detector with C18 column with 5 µm size and 4.6 × 250 mm dimension. Principle component analysis (PCA) was performed to analyze the contribution of independent variables. The microstructure of dried fruit samples was observed at 200X magnification at an acceleration voltage of 20kV in SEM. ResultsThe results revealed that the carbohydrates (275.34 ± 5.57mg GE/ g sample), proteins (243.07 ± 4.17mg BSAE/ g sample) and amino acids (21.25 ± 0.82mg LE/ g sample) were higher in hot-air oven dried fruit. The antioxidant activity was reported higher in microwave dried and hot-air oven dried samples due to the moderate distribution of secondary metabolites. The HPLC-DAD polyphenol quantification revealed a higher amount of gallic acid (7.73 mg/ g sample) in HD dried fruit and caffeic acid (6.73 mg/ g sample) and rutin (8.33 mg/ g sample) contents in the MD dried extracts. The SD and HD contributed 94.31% and 5.01% of the variance in the phytochemical components, respectively. The microstructures of the dried samples resulted that the microwave drying showed a loser porous structure gives more shrinkage for preservation. ConclusionThus, microwave drying should be an optimal method for obtaining dried roxburgh fig with high nutritional value.

Contribution of Natural Forest Products to Rural Livelihoods at Mavunde and Sambandou Villages, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa

With ~70% of the sub-Saharan population living in rural areas, more than 90% of rural African households depend on natural forest products. Although several studies in other parts of South Africa have looked into the use of natural forest products in poverty alleviation, little is known on the roles and relative contribution of natural forest products as daily and safety nets specifically within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. This study assessed the different roles played by natural forest products in households and the patterns of their relative contribution to households both as sources of income and direct consumption within differing household compositions as well as socio-economic factors. These included employment and income diversification role and the monetised value of natural resources in the rural livelihoods of households in Sambandou and Mavunde, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study inter alia compared a wide use of natural resources by two villages and determined on which forest products they most relied for their economic welfare. Their relative contributions to livelihoods were assessed by identifying factors that affected their contributions. Findings of the study showed that Sambandou had a high number of people with formal jobs and females, and fewer old-age pensioners. Differences in employment and education between villages were observed. In all villages, the most frequently used or harvested resource was fuelwood, wild edible fruits, herbs, grass/shrub hand sweepers, insects for food, thatch grass/reeds and poles for fencing and housing. Overall, Mavunde village households were found to be more dependent on natural resource harvesting both for income and subsistence substitution. Findings suggest that this may have been a consequence of socio-economic factors such as income and employment, as well as general underdevelopment in the village. This study’s findings could contribute to further studies into how these results compare to other parts of the country and region, as well as their respective developmental implications.

Diversity of Some Important Wild Edible Plants of Kumaun Uttarakhand: A Review

Plants are the invaluable, incredible and traditional sources for the curability of various diseases in the form of medicines. Wild food plants, particularly wild fruits, have been an important element in the dietary traditions since the beginning of human civilization. The consumption of locally grown species is gaining an increasing interest, which also gives an important contribution to local communities’ health and welfare. In addition, wild fruits contain higher amounts of nutrients and bioactive compounds than many cultivated species. Fruits play at potential role in uplifting the economic condition as well as providing the food security to the local people. The tribal population stores a vast knowledge on utilization of local plants as food and other specific uses. Uttarakhand has very rich biodiversity also its diverse geographical area attract many people towards it in tourism. Wild edible fruit plants have traditionally occupied an important position in the socio-cultural, spiritual and health area of rural and tribal lives. Because in Uttarakhand theses wild fruits helps in health benefits many of them have medicinal importance, also theses fruits are part of source of income.

Variation of physical properties, nutritional value and bioactive nutrients in dry and fresh wild edible fruits of twenty-three species from Far North region of Cameroon

During the last decades, scientists across the world are searching for new food ingredients in fruits for healthier diet to prolong human life. The Far North region of Cameroon (FNC) have various wild edible fruits which are eaten in fresh and dry forms. Thus, the present study aims to investigate for the nutritional value, bioactive nutrients and physical properties of twenty-three species of some these wild edible fruits. They were collected at various seasons, then powdered after drying at 60 °C in oven for performing analyses. The results showed a significant (p < 0.01) difference among twenty-eight fruits. Z. mauritiana (99.39 g/100g) and Z. spina-christi (56.78 g/100g) had the highest dry matter among dry and fresh fruits, respectively, however, dry and fresh forms of P. reclinatum (Pre) showed significantly higher carbohydrates content (52.34 and 60.95 gGE/100g, respectively) compared to others. Protein content was highly found in B. eagyptiaca (165.98 mg/100g) and Pre (124.17 mg/100g) among dry and fresh fruits, respectively. Additionally, dry fruits had higher energy (141.08–244.50 Kcal/100g) than the fresh fruits (39.70–307.48 Kcal/100g) except Pre and H. thebaica . For the bioactive nutrients (mg/100g), lutein (123.65), β-carotene (74.43) , α-carotene (72.88), and vitamin C (780.16) contents were high in dry fruits, while the fresh fruits showed high contents of lycopene (70.61 mg/100g) and vitamin A activity (0.54 μgRAE/100g). The highest contents of biactive nutrients may be one of the key indicator of beneficial bioactive properties, which might be helpful in protecting the body against diseases. The present study reveals that the wild edible fruits of FNC are a good new food sources of nutritional and bioactive ingredients. Thus, their daily consumption can be used to overcome malnutrition and maintain a healthy state and prevent various diseases. Furthermore, they can be used as new food ingredients for food formulation purposes. • Nutritional value of twenty-eight wild edible fruits was investigated for the first time. • Wild edible fruits (dry and fresh forms) of 23 species are rich in bioactive nutrients. • Wild fruits are rich in vitamins A and C, lutein and lycopene for new food ingredients. • Nutritional value of wild fruits varied according to the edible forms and species. • Uronic acid and lycopene contents were evaluated in wild edible fruits for the first time.

Ethnobotanical study on wild edible fruits, spices and aquatic plants traditionally used by the Garo tribe of Meghalaya

An ethnobotanical study was carried out in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya, India during 2015-2017 to identify and document the wild edible fruits, spices and aquatic plants used by the Garo tribe for their nutraceutical properties. The study area is situated between 26 o and 25 o 20’North latitude and 90 o 30’ to 89 o 40’ East longitude. This area is predominantly inhabited by the Garo tribe following a matrilineal society. In the present study 43 wild edible fruit species belonging to 25 families were recorded which were found to be ethnobotanically important among the Garo tribe. Of these wild edible fruits, 36 species were trees followed by the 5 shrubs and 2 creepers/climbers. It was also observed that 19 species of wild edible plants belonging to 9 families were used by tribal population as spices to enrich their food. Most of the spice plants used by the Garo tribe belong to Zingiberaceae and Rutaceae family. They were grouped under herbs (10 species), shrubs (6 species), trees (2 species) and creepers (1 species). Rhizomes, leaves and flowers/inflorescence were commonly used plant parts. Among the aquatic plants only 5 species were used by the Garo tribe as vegetable, spices and medicines.