Wild Edible Fruits Research Articles

Overweight/bowel dysmotility crosslinking and analogous laxative actions of two edible wild fruits in obese/constipated rats.

The prompt development of obesity/constipation is the most serious problem for both children and adults. Limited studies suggested an association between them but lacked preclinical studies. This study allows to evaluate their crosslink and to compare the aqueous extracts laxative actions of two edible wild fruits of Arbutus unedo (AUAE) and Crataegus monogyna (CMAE) in constipated high-fat diet (HFD) rats. Wistar rats were divided into experimental groups for 13 weeks: standard (SD) and HFD groups. SD-rats were randomly redivided into 2 groups: SD and SD + Loperamide (LOP, 3 mg/kg, b.w.). HFD-rats were randomly reseparated into HFD-group, (HFD + LOP)-group, [HFD + Yohimbine (YOH, 2 mg/kg, b.w.)]-group, [HFD+ LOP]-groups+ various doses of AUAE or CMAE (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg, b.w.). Diversified indicators were investigated to achieve the expected objectives, including; fecal parameters, gastrointestinal transit (GIT), gastric emptying (GE), oxidative stress-(OxS), blood biochemical analysis, and accompanied small/large bowel histological modification. The liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis of AUAE and CMAE allowed the identification of 11 and 6 phenolic compounds, respectively. In HFD-rats, the subsequent dysregulation of GI motility was markedly aggravated. More importantly, with the same way (CMAE and AUAE)-treated groups showed alleviated outcomes for the following: most stool parameters, GIT, and GE were remarkably recovered; a similar recovery pattern was observed in the histopathological structure, OxS, and blood biochemical indicators. Our results experimentally confirmed the crosslink between overweight and constipation and both fruits have potential as functional foods to reduce metabolic risk of the obesity associated with bowel dysmotility.

Characterisation of wild red raspberry ecotypes in Northern Anatolia: Insights into sensory, biochemical and antioxidant properties

ABSTRACT Red raspberries are among the most significant wild edible fruits (WEFs) in Türkiye, thriving in cold to warm temperate regions across the country. This study focuses on 11 wild red raspberry ecotypes sampled from the Northern Anatolia region, examining their sensory, biochemical and antioxidant properties. Sensory analysis was used to compare ecotypes based on aroma, taste and juiciness. Biochemical assessments included soluble solid content (SSC), vitamin C amount, organic acids, total anthocyanins (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content and total antioxidant capacity. The Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay measured antioxidant capacity. Despite similar growing conditions, significant variations were observed among ecotypes and across years. In the first year, fruit weights ranged from 1.04 g to 1.33 g, and in the second year, they ranged from 0.97 g to 1.27 g. Fruit chroma values ranged between 26.11 and 33.70 in 2021, and 23.17 and 30.19 in 2022. Vitamin C exhibited considerable variability, ranging from 29.3 mg · 100 g−1 to 44.4 mg · 100 g−1 across ecotypes and years. TPC, total anthocyanin content (TAC) and total flavonoid content ranged from 164 mg to 390 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) · 100 g−1, 17.3 mg to 33.2 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent · 100 g−1 and 10.3 mg to 17.6 mg quercetin equivalent (QE) · 100 g−1, respectively, in both years. Citric acid emerged as the dominant organic acid across all ecotypes. Notably, the ecotypes V-4, V-8, V-3 and V-10 showcased larger, more appealing fruits suitable for fresh consumption, whereas V-3 and V-5 presented sweeter fruits ideal for processing. Additionally, the ecotypes V-6, V-7 and V-11 displayed higher levels of health-promoting compounds, such as TPC and antioxidant capacity, suggesting their potential as functional foods and valuable sources of natural antioxidants in the future.

Phytochemical composition, simulated digestive bioaccessibility and cytotoxicity of Ficus auriculata Lour. fruits: In vitro and in silico insights

Ficus auriculata Lour. (Moraceae) is an underutilized wild edible fruit widely consumed for its nutritional properties. The present study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties of the F. auriculata fruit extracts through in vitro digestion (oral, gastric and intestinal phases). The extracts were obtained by hot extraction and cold maceration methods using aqueous and methanolic solvents. Major phytoconstituents identified through LC-MS was subjected to molecular docking against the target proteins. The elemental analysis shows the presence of major elements; high levels of total phenolic compounds (124.61 ± 0.82 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), flavonoids (76.38 ± 0.82 mg quercetin equivalent/g), vitamin E (32.48 ± 0.09 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalent/g), and carbohydrate (34.59 ± 0.45 mg glucose equivalent/g) in hot extracted methanolic undigested extract (HEM UD) and high level of total protein (124.71 ± 0.34 mg bovine serum albumin equivalent/g) in cold extracted methanolic undigested fruit extract were found. HEM UD showed high antioxidant activity in 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, and superoxide radical scavenging assays with IC50 of 53.30 ± 0.57, 80.69 ± 0.12, and 65.47 ± 1.13 μg/mL, respectively. The HEM UD extract also potentially inhibited the enzyme activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and protein denaturation (IC50 of 67.76 ± 1.22, 83.18 ± 1.23, 87.24 ± 1.15, and 65.76 ± 0.60 μg/mL). The most potent extract (HEM UD) was studied for its anticancer effects by MTT assay against the MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines with the IC50 of 89.80 ± 0.56 and 60.76 ± 0.04 μg/mL, respectively. The LC-MS analysis elucidated ten phytoconstituents. Based on the molecular docking study, querciturone could potentially be an effective constituent in treating diabetes and inflammation-related issues. The findings indicated the ability of F. auriculata fruits as a promising functional food.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of selected wild fruits and vegetables from Zambia

Natural antioxidants present in herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables can inhibit and prevent the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, hence are essential in the regulation of oxidative stress which is implicated as a precursor for several pathological conditions, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative disorders, premature ageing and cancer including diabetes and hypertension. In this report, phytochemical screening of alkaloids, phenol/tannins, flavonoids, phyto-steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, saponins and the antioxidant activity of two traditional vegetables (Cucurbita moschata, CM and, Bidens pilosa, BP) and three edible wild fruits (Tamarindus indica, TI, Adansonia digitata, AD, and Kigelia africana, KA) commonly consumed in Zambia was investigated. Plant materials were macerated in either methanol or ethanol. Resultant crude extracts were analyzed for phytochemicals, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) respectively. Antioxidant activity (AA) was determined by the reduction of stable radicals 2,4,6-tripyridyl-s-triazine (TPTZ) in ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl in the DPPH assay and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the H2O2 radical scavenging assay, respectively. The TPC ranged from (0.53 ± 0.01 to 23.74 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g), and TFC ranged from (0.02 ± 0.00 to 15.03 ± 0.45 mg QE/g). Antioxidant activity with FRAP ranged from (3.59 ± 0.16 to 35.76 ± 0.33 mmol Fe (II)/g), % DPPH inhibition at 100 µg/mL of crude extract ranged from (25.53 ± 0.36 to 77.74 ± 0.48 µg/mL) and % H2O2 inhibition at 100 µg/mL of crude extract ranged from (24.70 ± 0.03 to 64.73 ± 0.02 µg/mL) respectively. For DPPH, the IC50 values of the ethanolic extracts of AD, KA, TI, BP and CM were 149.03, 199.21, 145.33, 35.24 and 172.09, while the methanolic extract values were 121.46, 127.80, 124.84, 35.78 and 65.88 µg/mL respectively. For H2O2, the IC50 values of the ethanolic extracts of AD, KA, TI, BP and CM were 151.34, 209.25, 118.033, 120.44 and 140.07, the methanolic values were 91.80, 158.18, 105.18, 102.21 and 50.26 µg/mL, respectively. The vegetables, BP and CM displayed higher TP/TF content and antioxidant activity than fruits. However, all the samples investigated in this study showed good antioxidant activity (correlation coefficient, R2 > 0.5) and their inclusion in a diet may offer protection from oxidative stress.

Assessment of Fruit and Seed Morphological Traits of Underutilized Wild Edible Fruits from the Eastern Himalayan Tracts, India

Assessment of Fruit and Seed Morphological Traits of Underutilized Wild Edible Fruits from the Eastern Himalayan Tracts, India

Gender vulnerability and coping strategies to changing provisioning ecosystem services in Bongo and Kassena-Nankana West districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana

ABSTRACT Ecosystems provide a wide variety of life-sustaining services but are currently facing severe degradation due to changing land use and cover. Women are presumed to be more affected by declines in provisioning ecosystem services (PES). These claims have not been empirically proven across all contexts and have been contested by recent studies. Few studies in Ghana have attempted to examine this gendered environmental change phenomenon. Underpinned by the vulnerability theory, this paper employed an eclectic methodological approach to examine gender differences in vulnerability and coping with changing PES in Ghana. The findings reveal that both males and females depend highly on agricultural and woodland ecosystems for their livelihood needs. The deterioration in the total areas of the major ecosystems has resulted in significant declines in vital PES such as wild edible fruits and vegetables, medicinal plants and building materials for both men and women over the past decade. The study further reveals that the decreases in fuelwood supply affect women more than men because the former group mostly cooks food in their households, using fuelwood. As adaptation mechanisms, male farmers mostly planted trees on their farms to reclaim unfertile land and conserve forests, while female farmers engage in fruits and vegetable trade in the markets, as well as used non-indigenous spices to enhance the taste of food. Both males and females have also resorted to relying on orthodox medicines contrary to the past. To increase ecosystem resilience, the mainstreaming of ecosystem integrity adaptation practices into national adaptation plans is paramount.

Biodiversity among wild edible fruits on Silk Road countries: situation in Turkey

Biodiversity among wild edible fruits on Silk Road countries: situation in Turkey

Variability of antioxidant compounds and capacities in four wild fruits collected in different years and locations in Mozambique

This study investigated the variability of antioxidant compounds and capacity of four wild edible fruits from Mozambique: Adansonia digitata (AD), Dialium schlechteri (DS), Garcinia livingstonei (GL), and Syzygium cordatum (SC), collected over three consecutive years from seven locations. Antioxidant compounds including total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and vitamin C, as well as the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by three methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Results in dry basis for TPC ranged from 42.8 ± 1.05 to 65.4 ± 0.51 mg GAE/g, TFC from 8.6 ± 0.03 to 66.7 ± 1.41 mg RE/g and, vitamin C from 1.7 ± 0.28 to 40.1 ± 0.35 mg/100 g. TAC-DPPH ranged from 53.5 ± 1.80 to 88.3 ± 0.29 μmol TE/g, TAC-ABTS from 52.8 ± 0.50 to 136.7 ± 0.97, μmol TE/g, and TAC-FRAP from 12.4 ± 0.79 to 75.0 ± 2.32 μmol TE/g. AD exhibited the highest TPC and vitamin C, indicating higher antioxidant capacity. Notably, yearly variations had a more pronounced impact on antioxidant compounds than locations. It was found a yearly variation of about 30 % for TFC in SC and vitamin C in AD. Despite these variations, these underutilized fruits hold potential nutritional and health benefits and can be used in food product development.

Wild Edible Fruits Used by the Tribal Communities of Rowangchhari Upazila in Bandarban Hill District, Bangladesh

Wild Edible Fruits Used by the Tribal Communities of Rowangchhari Upazila in Bandarban Hill District, Bangladesh

Indigenous knowledge and marketing of edible wild fruits in Zimbabwe: A case study of Shurugwi, Gokwe south, Chirumhanzu, and Chivi districts

Indigenous knowledge and marketing of edible wild fruits in Zimbabwe: A case study of Shurugwi, Gokwe south, Chirumhanzu, and Chivi districts

Tree size partially mediates the influence of climate on fruit and seed production in Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Heckel

AbstractUnderstanding environmental drivers of fruit and seed production in wild edible fruit species is essential for their valorisation. Ricinodendron heudelotii is an oilseed plant whose kernels are particularly treasured in cosmetic and medical industries. This study assessed fruits and seeds production patterns of R. heudelotii. Data were collected for three consecutive years on 30 trees in the phytodistricts of Plateau, Pobè and South Borgou where it naturally occurs. Tree dbh, total height, crown diameter, number of fruits and seed mass were measured. Climatic data were obtained from NASA Power Database. Data were analysed using linear (seed mass) and generalised linear (number of fruits) mixed models and structural equation modelling. Fruit and seed production were significantly higher in the South‐Borgou phytodistrict (1433 ± 1144 fruits, 4.26 ± 3.39 kg of Dry matter per tree) and Plateau phytodistrict (1.66 ± 0.35 g DM/seed). Tree dbh further significantly mediated the effect of minimum temperature, and relative humidity on seed mass. Tree dbh, irradiance and dry season rainfall were identified as the best‐predictors of seed mass production (kg DM). These results improved current knowledge of the fruit and seed production of R. heudelotii and are of significant importance for the exploitation of the species.

Bioactive constituents and health promoting compounds of few wild edible fruits of North-East India

ABSTRACT Wild edible fruits provide a valuable source of sustenance and economic benefit for indigenous communities, which being often overlooked and underexploited. In order to meet the growing need for alternative nutritional sources, we conducted a study to evaluate the nutritional composition of seven (7) wild edible fruits viz. pummelo (Citrus grandis), kuji-thekera (Garcinia kydia), Nepal berry (Mahonia nepaulensis), bayberry (Myrica esculenta), laurel cherry (Prunus undulata), wild jamun (Syzygium cumini), and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) of Mizoram, north-east India. The research demonstrates that Mahonia napaulensis contains significant amounts of anthocyanin (678 ± 28 mg 100 g−1), carotenoid (1.64 ± 0.01 mg 100 g−1), total sugars (21 ± 4%), non-reducing sugars (9 ± 2%), and TSS 16.07 ± 0.32 °B. Myrica esculenta exhibited high levels of vitamin E (23.8 ± 0.6 mg 100 g−1), carbohydrate (79.84 ± 3.74%), moisture (89 ± 1%), cellulose (67.4 ± 0.7 mg 100 g−1), and Mn (28 ± 1 mg 100 g−1). Tamarindus indica is rich in starch (10.68 ± 0.30 mg 100 g−1), protein (60 ± 1%), energy (490 ± 12 kcal), dry matter (41 ± 1%), crude fiber (20.8 ± 0.4%), lignin (13.69 ± 0.01%), hemicellulose (12.09 ± 0.01%), Ca (398 ± 82 mg 100 g−1), Cu (33 ± 6 mg 100 g−1) and Zn (11.4 ± 0.7 mg 100 g−1). The findings suggest that all fruits exhibit nutritional and anti-nutritional characteristics, making them very potential for use in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors. The outcomes will provide a fundamental repository of the nutritional composition of these fruits and raise public consciousness about the significance of the fruit, promoting the conservation of the biodiversity.

Ethno botanical survey of wild edible fruits from two selected regions of Karnataka, India

Ethno botanical survey of wild edible fruits from two selected regions of Karnataka, India

Phytochemical analysis and therapeutic applications of some wild edible fruits growing in Uttarakhand Himalayas

Phytochemical analysis and therapeutic applications of some wild edible fruits growing in Uttarakhand Himalayas

Survey of Wild Fruits Consumed by Animals in the Forest Block of Ubangi Eco-region, Democratic Republic of the Congo

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Gbado-Lite city (Province of North Ubangi) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, among 74 hunters and bushmeat sellers in order to inventory the wild fruits consumed by animals in the forest block of the Ubangi eco-region. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire containing questions that could provide information on each plant species and its main consumers. The results reveal that the majority (41.8%) of respondents live in the Kaya neighborhood. 27% of female informants live in the Mbanza neighborhood, 10.8% in the Pangoma neighborhood, and 9.7% in the Lite neighborhood. The majority of respondents were men (89.1%), while women accounted for only 10.9%. As for marital status, married people (70.2%) and widowers (14.8%) are the most represented. Hunting and the sale of bushmeat (44.5%) and agriculture (41.8%) are the main activities carried out by the respondents. The diversity of the wild flora is composed of 19 species of fruit plants, distributed in 19 genera and 16 botanical families. The main families of wild fruit plants consumed by wildlife are Malvaceae, Meliaceae, and Urticaceae. As for the wildlife, the animals inventoried belong to five classes, mammals (76.9%), Reptilia (7.8%), Aves (7.8%,) and Polyplacophara (7.8%). The fauna studied is composed of 12 families of wild animals, the most abundant of which are Bovidae (27.5%), and Nesonyidae (10.0%). It is necessary that chemical and pharmacological studies be carried out on these plant taxa in order to evaluate their medicinal and food values. The domestication of these plant species should be part of the subsequent studies to ensure the sustainability of the wild fauna. Thus, the integration of local wild edible fruit plants into agroforestry systems is the best solution to combat their disappearance in the Ubangi ecoregion, which is faced with traditional slash-and-burn agriculture.

Nutritional composition and anti-nutritional properties of wild edible fruits of northeast India

Forageable fruits are an untapped wealth of nutrients and minerals, and huge numbers are found in the vast wilderness of northeast India, including the hilly state of Mizoram. However, their nutritional properties still need to be explored. Hence, the present study was carried to assess the nutritional and anti-nutritional aspects along with the mineral contents of seven selected wild edible fruits, viz. jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri), false mangosteen (Garcinia xanthocymus), mulberry (Morus nigra), thereju (Prunus jenkinsiii), wild raspberry (Rubus treutleri) and wild ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) to uncover their immense nutritional values, which could solidify their promising potential for an alternate source of nutrition and increase their economic importance. The research demonstrates that Garcinia xanthocymus contains significant amount of total sugars, reducing sugars, and vitamin E. Artocarpus heterophyllus exhibited higher levels of non-reducing sugar, total soluble solids, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and starch. Citrus jambhiri is rich in moisture, vitamin C, acidity, N, and P. Prunus jenkinsii has high anthocyanin, total carotenoid, K and Mn. Rubus treutleri is a rich source of crude fibre, Mg, Na, Co, Cu, and Fe. Ziziphus mauritiana has higher protein. The Morus nigra has higher fat, energy, Ca, and Zn. These findings suggest that all examined wild edible fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, which makes them vital in combating malnutrition and highlights their potential for use in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors in futuristic research works. The outcomes of this present study will provide a database about the nutritional composition, potential health benefits, and economic values of these fruits and raise public consciousness about the conservation and enrichment of biodiversity.

A Contribution to the Edible Wild Fruits of Uttar Pradesh Hills

The present articles pertains to edible wild fruits collected from U. P. Hills during the years 1982-1992. The U. P. Hills are situated in the centre of the Western Himalaya. The enumeration deals with the treatment of 67 families including 122 genera and 170 species. The important families represented by local wild fruits are Rosaceae (25), Moraceae (10), Cucurbitaceae (7), Rutaceae (6), Solanaceae (6), Berberidaceae (5), Anacardiaceae (4), Ehretiaceae (4), Elaeagnaceae (4), Euphorbiaceae (4) and Verbenaceae (4). Vernacular names, English names, important field characters, traditional uses by the natives, flowering and fruiting season, distribution and frequency, field numbers and nutritive evaluation for each taxon are presented.

Wild Edible Fruits of Andaman and Njcobar Islands

The aritcle enumerates 76 species of less known wild fruits occuring in Bay Islands.

Estimation of phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of underutilized ethnobotanically important wild edible fruits of Manipur

Estimation of phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of underutilized ethnobotanically important wild edible fruits of Manipur

Potential distribution of wild edible fruit trees under climate change scenarios: promoting food security in a Neotropical region

Potential distribution of wild edible fruit trees under climate change scenarios: promoting food security in a Neotropical region