Wild Edible Fruits Research Articles

Analysis of the Fresh Pulps of B orassus aethiopum Fruits of Gulu District, Uganda

Borassus aethiopum Mart-locally known as Tugu by a tribe called Acholi in Uganda is an edible wild fruit tree species greatly valued for its multipurpose uses, fruits inclusive. This tree species is being wantonly destroyed, yet there is no adequate documentation on them. This study determined the nutrient contents in the pulps of its fresh fruits both on fresh matter (FM) and dry matter (FM) basis. The contents were determined using standard procedures prescribed for each nutrient. The potassium, sodium, and calcium contents on FM basis were respectively 42.6mg/100g, 12mg/100g) and 33.6mg/100g. The contents of zinc, iron and magnesium on FM basis were low with all values below 1.00mg/100g. No phytates were detected in these pulps on both FM and DM basis. The study revealed appreciable contents of nutrients in the fresh pulps, making it useful source for supplementing nutrient deficiencies within the community. Further studies are thus recommended to determine the availability of these nutrients in the body when consumed.

A review on diversity, conservation and nutrition of wild edible fruits

The United Nations adopted the Millennium Declaration of September 2009 to improve the global living conditions through reducing poverty and hunger. However, considerable numbers of people are still living in utter penury and are deprived of a dignified living. In such tough circumstances nature’s free gift in the form of wild edible foods are benefiting the vulnerable and dependent communities. Wild edible plants (WEPs) are the species those are neither cultivated nor domesticated however are available in their wild natural habitat and used as sources of these plants have played a significant role in the development and civilization of human history throughout the ages and globe. These wild edible plants have played a significant role in supplying food and nutritional requirements of poor communities in many rural parts of the world. These wild edibles can be popularized only when they are comparedfor their nutritional and health benefits with major or widely used cultivated plants. The social, cultural, religious, and belief system of the rural communities are incomplete without these wild edible plants. Domestication of these wild edible plants can increase their use and their conservation as well. The present review paper has described the wild edible plants in context of their diversity, traditional knowledge, conservation practices and nutritional composition from the available secondary literature. Authors feel there is still scope to incorporate more contextual variables for explaining more variations embedded with local people’s perception on values and usage of these wild edible fruits.

Viburnum mullaha D. DON fruit (Indian cranberry): A potential source of polyphenol with rich antioxidant, anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-tyrosinase activities

ABSTRACTViburnum mullaha (Buch.-Ham. Ex D. Don), is an underexplored wild edible fruit of Indian Himalayan region, analyzed for total polyphenol contents, antioxidant, anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-tyrosinase activities using in vitro assays. High values of total phenolic contents of 1257 ± 40 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fruit weight and total flavonoid contents of 3501 ± 203 mg catechin equivalents/100 g fruit weight were observed. V. mullaha fruit extracts showed outstanding antioxidant activities (ABTS+, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide anion, linoleate peroxyl radicals scavenging, and ferric reducing activities) and remarkable anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. High resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy analysis revealed presence of 15 phenolic compounds, namely, chlorogenic acid, acetyl salicylic acid, dihydrorobinetin, dihydromyricetin, 2-isoprenylemodin, rutin, cosmosiin hexaacetate, pectolinarin, dihydroquercetin, eriodictyol, iriginol hexaacetate, theaflavin, epicatechin-pentaacetate, lomatin, and peucenin in fruit extracts. This study recommends utilization of V. mullaha fruit as functional food with prospective pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical properties.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of fruit extracts of Berberis species from Nepal

The Himalayan region is rich in flowering plants diversity, including medicinal and wild edible plants. These plants possess variety of therapeutically important compounds, like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids in different parts. Presence of significant amount of these compounds makes a species valuable to be used as super foods or medicines. Furthermore, plant extracts especially those of fruits are basically attributed with natural antioxidants, either in form of vitamins or color-inducing pigments, which have become the target to replace the synthetic antioxidants. In this regard, fruits of Berberis species, one of the popular wild edible fruits of Nepal, are noted for their antioxidant property since time immemorial. The present study was done with an attempt to quantify the antioxidant potential and antibacterial activities of the fruit extracts of four taxa of Berberis (B. angulosa var. angulosa, B. angulosa var. fasciculata, B. aristata and B. asiatica) from Nepal and to correlate the antioxidant potential with various phytochemicals present in the extracts. Methanolic fruit extracts were used to spectrophotometrically quantify total phenolic and flavonoid contents. DPPH free radical scavenging assay and antibacterial assay were carried out in in-vitro condition. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed high polyphenol content (52.60 ± 3.73 and 58.07 ± 1.44 mg GAE/g) and better antioxidant property (35.29 ± 3.01 and 29.15 ± 2.01 μg/ml) respectively in B. angulosa var. angulosa and B. angulosa var. fasciculata than in the fruit extracts of B. aristata and B. asiatica. In contrast, fruit extracts of B. asiatica showed the highest total flavonoid content (27.52 ± 0.56 mg QE/g) than did by the extracts of other taxa studied. The fruit extract of B. aristata and B. angulosa var. fasciculata at very high concentration (200 mg/ml) showed maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) against tested bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In contrast, B. asiatica did not show any ZOI for both of the tested bacterial strains. As fruits are better sources of antioxidant with greater accumulation of flavonoids and phenolics, wild fruits should be equally spaced for their better efficiency as cultivated ones.Botanica Orientalis – Journal of Plant Science (2016) 10: 6–11

Antioxidant capacity and genoprotective effect of ethanol fruit extract from Detarium microcarpum Guill. and Perr. (Caesalpiniaceae)

ObjectiveTo evidence the ability of ethanol fruit extract from Detarium microcarpum (D. microcarpum) to preserve DNA integrity against oxidative genomic damage. MethodsEthanol extract from D. microcarpum fruit pulp was analyzed for its antioxidant capacity using ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethyl-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate, superoxide anion, deoxyribose degradation and lipid peroxidation models. The genoprotective activity was assessed ex vivo by comet assay, on liver cells of NMRI female mice using cyclophosphamide (CP) as genotoxic agent. ResultsEthanol extract from D. microcarpum fruit pulp exhibited interesting antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, deoxyribose degradation and lipid peroxidation assays. The extract did not present any genotoxic effect but protected DNA against CP-induced damages with a dose-dependent manner. The genoprotective effect observed was related to the antioxidant molecules of the fruit that scavenged the hydroxyl radical (generated by the metabolism of CP) as well as the peroxyl and alkoxyl radicals issued from lipid peroxidation. Other mechanisms such as inactivation of CP metabolism to genotoxic end products, induction of the expression of antioxidant and DNA repair enzymes have been discussed. ConclusionsOur results suggest that the wild edible fruit from D. microcarpum could be beneficial on consumer's health by its antioxidant and genoprotective effects, particularly during chemotherapies exhibiting genotoxic effects like CP in cancer treatment.

Antibacterial activity of proteins extracted from the pulp of wild edible fruit of Bromelia pinguin L.

ABSTRACTBromelia pinguin L. is a natural source of bioactive compounds. The main purpose of this research was to isolate and characterize bioactive proteins from its fruit. B. pinguin proteins were fractionated by gel filtration chromatography, and analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The antibacterial activity of the proteins was analyzed against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and the enzymatic activity was evaluated by protease activity and trypsin inhibitions assays. Protein fraction obtained by gel filtration chromatography exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 0.3492 mg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC 0.6845 mg/mL). The proteolytic activity of the fraction was 0.985 Ucas/mL. The substrate-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis assay detected protease inhibitors with molecular weights of 43 and 74 kDa. Antibacterial studies of E.coli and S. aureus were determined by comparing the protein fraction with different antibiotics. The antibacterial activity of proteins extracted from the pulp of the fruit of Bromelia pinguin L. could be related to the presence of enzymes, protease inhibitors and peptides.

Nutraceutical potential of selected wild edible fruits of the Indian Himalayan region

Wild edible fruits contribute significantly to the nutritional security of mankind across the globe. However, detailed analyses of health promoting bioactive compounds and antioxidants are lacking, especially in Himalayan wild edible fruits. Bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of 10 wild edible fruits reveal that Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus emblica and Myrica esculenta are the richest source of total phenolics; Pyaracantha crenulata, Terminalia chebula and Berberis asiatica for flavonoids; Phyllanthus emblica, Morus alba and Ficus palmata for ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, and Morus alba for β-carotene. Phenolic compounds, i.e. Gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid varied among species and found the maximum in Terminalia chebula and Phyllanthus emblica. Antioxidant activity showed the significant relation with total phenolics, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Results indicated that these species should be promoted as a natural source of antioxidant/nutraceuticals so that these antioxidants can be used for supplementing dietary foods of mountain people.

Wild edible fruit tree resources of Arunachal Pradesh, North East India

The paper reports on the survey of wild edible fruit trees covering 49 sites from 17 districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India. A total of 52 wild edible fruits species representing 33 families was reported, out of which 10 had medicinal uses. The highest number of wild edible fruits belonged to family Moraceae (9 spp.) followed by Anacardiaceae (4 spp.) and Actinidiaceae (3 spp.). More than half the fruits (66.67%) are available during the monsoon season, i.e. between June and October. Dilenia indica, Castanopsis indica, Canarium strictum, Terminalia citrina, Phoebe cooperiana, Phyllanthus emblica and Artocarpus intergifolia are the commonly traded fruits. This is perhaps the only extensive survey which has so far been carried out on wild edible fruit tree resources covering all the districts of Arunachal Pradesh. In the present era where there is global interest on bioresource documentation, this study is significant for securing intellectual property right and preventing biopiracy.

Studies on Ascorbic acid content of some wild edible fruits from Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra (India).

Studies on Ascorbic acid content of some wild edible fruits from Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra (India).

Africa’s wooden elephant: the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) in Sudan and Kenya: a review

Wild edible fruits hold great potential for improving human diets, especially in agricultural societies of the developing world. In Africa, a well-known supplier of such fruits is the baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae), one of the most remarkable trees of the world. Several studies in different African countries have highlighted this indigenous fruit tree as a priority species for domestication and expanded use. However, internationally available information on baobab in East Africa, particularly in Sudan and Kenya, remains scarce. This review aims to shed light on the ecology, diversity and current level of utilization of baobab in East Africa in order to facilitate domestication and conservation of the species. A list of priority research areas is provided at the end of the review to encourage further studies and investment in this unique plant taxon.

Proximate composition, mineral content, phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant activities of a wild edible fruit (Grewia sapida Roxb. ex DC.) found in Assam of North-East India

Aim: The aim of present study was to investigate the nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities of a wild edible fruit in order to document data for further basic research needs or to widen its use among common people. Methods: The fresh fruits of Grewia sapida Roxb. ex DC. were collected from the Chirang district of Bodoland Territorial Area Districts of Assam, identified and freeze dried. Proximate composition, minerals content and phytochemical constituents were analyzed following standard and reported methods. The antioxidant activities of methanol extract were evaluated by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2'-Azinobis (3-ethylbenothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assays. Results: The results obtained were reported and discussed. The phytochemical screening of different solvent extracts revealed that fruits contained a number of medicinally active secondary metabolites. The study showed antioxidant properties having IC50 value of 257.666 ± 2.516 μg/mL (DPPH) and 134.33 ± 4.041 μg/mL (ABTS). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in G. sapida fruit were found to be 294.353 ± 4.696 mg GAE/g dried extract and 116.95 ± 10.71 mg QE/g dried extract respectively. Conclusion: The study suggests that G. sapida fruit could be a good source of minerals and natural antioxidants, and studied further for its beneficial effect in human health.

NUTRITIVE EVALUATION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF UNDERUTILIZED INDIGENOUS EDIBLE FRUITS OF VELLIANGIRI HILLS, COIMBATORE DISTRICT

The study was aimed to explore the nutritional status of 5 indigenous edible fruits viz., Ziziphus jujuba, Limonia acidissima, Ziziphus oenoplia, Phyllanthus emblica and Ficus racemosa along with their phytochemical profile. Phosphorous content was determined using indophenol blue method; K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Qualitative and quantitative estimations were carried out using standard procedures. In the present study, all the investigated samples presented substantial amount of P, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn content. The qualitative analysis revealed the presencealkaloids, phenols and flavonoids in all the five investigated samples. However, tannins were detected only in Limonia acidissima and Ficus recemosa; whereas steroids were absent in Limonia acidissima and Phyllanthus emblica. The quantitative analysis also exhibited appreciable amount of phenolic (47 to 85 mg GAE/g sample) and flavonoid contents (12 to 61 mg RE/g sample). Thus the study confirmes that wild edible fruits investigated are a promising source of essential nutrients such as P, K, Ca, Zn, Mg and Fe. Phytochemical study also confirmed the presence of the adequate quantities of secondary metabolites of medicinal importance thus exemplifies therapeutic values.

Wild Edible Fruits of Palpa District, West Nepal

This paper documents the wild edible fruits of tropical and subtropical forest of Palpa District, West Nepal. Thirty-seven plant species under 17 families and 27 genera were identifi ed as wild edible fruit. Over 86% percent of them were trees and shrubs (32 species), 11% herbs (4 species) and the remaining 3% (1 species) woody climbers. Moraceae (9 species), Rosaceae (7 species), Anacardiaceae, Berberidaceae, Combretaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Rutaceae (2 species each) were the most common families constituting about 75.7% of edible plants. The remaining 24.3% (9 species) of edible plants were distributed among 9 families and 9 genera. A considerable number of wild fruits are sold in market. These are Aegle marmelos, Artocarpus integra, Artocarpus lakoocha, Choerospondias axillaris, Myrica esculenta, Phoenix humilis, Phyllanthus emblica, Prunus persica, Pyracantha crenulata, Tamarindus indica, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Zanthoxylum armatum and Zizyphus mauritiana. Medicinal uses of some major economically important fruits are also documented.J. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. 28, 2014: 127-136

Wild Edible Fruit of Prunus nepalensis Ser. (Steud), a Potential Source of Antioxidants, Ameliorates Iron Overload-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Liver Fibrosis in Mice.

The antioxidant and restoration potentials of hepatic injury by Prunus nepalensis Ser. (Steud), a wild fruit plant from the Northeastern region of India, were investigated. The fruit extract (PNME) exhibited excellent antioxidant and reducing properties and also scavenged the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (IC50 = 30.92 ± 0.40 μg/ml). PNME demonstrated promising scavenging potency, as assessed by the scavenging of different reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Moreover, the extract revealed an exceptional iron chelation capacity with an IC50 of 25.64 ± 0.60 μg/ml. The extract induced significant improvement of hepatic injury and liver fibrosis against iron overload induced hepatotoxicity in mice in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was supported by different histopathological studies. The phytochemical constitutions and their identification by HPLC confirmed the presence of purpurin, tannic acid, methyl gallate, reserpine, gallic acid, ascorbic acid, catechin and rutin. The identified compounds were investigated for their individual radical scavenging and iron chelation activity; some compounds exhibited excellent radical scavenging and iron chelation properties, but most were toxic towards normal cells (WI-38). On the other hand, crude PNME was found to be completely nontoxic to normal cells, suggesting its feasibility as a safe oral drug. The above study suggests that different phytochemicals in PNME contributed to its free radical scavenging and iron chelation activity; however, further studies are required to determine the pathway in which PNME acts to treat iron-overload diseases.

Ex-Situ Conservation of Wild Edible Fruit Germplasm: A Practical Approach from Kerala

Efforts were made to conserve 570 accessions of wild edible fruit plants collected and conserved at JNTBGRI (Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute) as part of the project entitled “Germplasm collection, evaluation of yield potential and exploitation of the fruit crops of the Western Ghats of Kerala”. The lesser- known wild plant accessions belongs to 106 species under 41 families. All the accessions are conserved ex-situ in JNTBGRI, Kerala, India. Among those 106 species, 67 species yield raw fruits, 11 species yield vegetable fruits, 22 species yield edible seeds / grains / kernels and the remaining 6 species yield spices and condiments. Twelve species are endemic to the Western Ghats region, of which, Salacia beddomei (Hippocrateaceae) comes in the red listed category and found mention in the Red Data Book of Indian Plants (Nayar & Sastry, 1988).

Analysis study on potential underutilized edible fruit genetic resources of the foothills track of Eastern Himalayas, India

Several wild indigenous fruit crops which are rare in other part of the world grow favourably and naturally in the foothills track of Eastern Himalayas due to suitable geo-climatic conditions. These wild fruits are Padus napaulensis (Ser. ex DC.) Schneider, Elaeagnus latifolia L., Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don, Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., Pyrus pashia Hamilton ex D. Don, Calamus meghalayensis (Becc.) A.J. Hend., Gynocardia odorata R. Br., Prunus undulata Buch.-Ham., Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne., Rhus chinensis Mill. and Viburnum foetidum Wallich. These naturally occurring fruit plants which are harvested and marketed locally, not only nutritionally and medicinally rich but also thrive well under adverse climatic conditions and can be the source of several desirable gene(s) or traits particularly for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In spite of their potential, these fruit plants are unattended both at scientific and farmers level. There is a need to attain sustainable growth, food and nutritional security for the most susceptible tribal population in the near future. Therefore, during the course of survey, collection and evaluation of eleven naturally occurring potential wild edible fruit plants have been discussed including their habitat, distribution, morphological description, quality parameters, utilization potential, constraints and possible strategies like how to increase their population size, productivity, conservation and utilization.

Evaluation and comparison of polyphenols and bioactivities of wild edible fruits of North-West Himalaya, India

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate and compare the polyphenol contents, antioxidant, anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities of 13 wild edible fruits [ Pyracantha crenulata, Berberis asiatica ( B. asiatica ) , Ficus subincisa ( F. subincisa ) , Morus serrata, Ziziphus nummularia, Leea asiatica ( L. asiatica ) , Dendrobenthamia capitata, Ziziphus mauritiana, Prunus cerasoides, Ampelocissus latifolia ( A. latifolia ) , Vitis jacquemontii, Morus alba and Grewia optiva ] of North-West Himalayan Region of India. Methods Fruits extracts were prepared with 80% aqueous acetone and evaluated for total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC). Free radical scavenging activities [against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), linoleate hydroperoxyl and superoxide radicals], ferric reducing ability, ferrous metal chelating capacity, anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities were determined by using various in vitro assays. Results TPC varied from 58.83 to 4 496.39 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fruit weight (FW), being highest in A. latifolia and lowest in F. subincisa . TFC ranged from 108.00 to 1 963.75 mg catechin equivalents/100 g FW, standing highest in L. asiatica and lowest in Prunus cerasoides. A. latifolia and L. asiatica possessed the highest antioxidant activities while B. asiatica and L. asiatica owned uppermost anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities, respectively. B. asiatica revealed the highest anti-tyrosinase activity and F. subincisa demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory activity. The present study revealed differential contribution of TPC and TFC in various antioxidant activities. However, no obvious relationship was visible between anti-elastase/anti-collagenase/anti-tyrosinase/anti-inflammatory activities and TPC/TFC, suggesting the role of individual or combination of specific phenolics and flavonoids. Conclusions The abilities of Himalayan wild edible fruits to scavenge a variety of free radicals, inhibit enzymes causing skin-aging and skin-darkening are highly appreciable, suggesting their possible utilization for the development of effective formulations for general health maintenance and anti-aging, skin-whitening cosmetics.

بررسی ترکیبات شیمیایی و ویژگی های آنتی اکسیدانی پوسته و هسته میوه پسته وحشی (PistaciaKhinjuk Stocks)

هدف از این پژوهش، مطالعه و بررسی ترکیبات شیمیایی و تغذیه ای پوسته و مغز هسته میوه پسته وحشی گونه خینجوک (Khinjuk) بود. برای این منظور، از پوسته و مغز هسته میوه به روش سرد با هگزان روغن گیری شد و پروفایل اسیدهای چرب با روش کروماتوگرافی گازی بررسی گردید. همچنین از روغن های استخراجی نگهداری شده به مدت 3 ماه در دمای اتاق، هر 30 روز آزمون های عدد پراکسید، عدد اسیدی و مقدار کلروفیل اندازه‌گیری شدند. از پوسته و مغز هسته خشک شده میوه به روش پرکولاسیون با اتانول عصاره گیری شد و میزان ترکیبات فنلی و قدرت مهار رادیکال‌های آزاد DPPH عصاره ها مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفت. همچنین عصاره ها در درصدهای 1، 2 و 3 درصد به روغن کلزا اضافه شدند و پایداری اکسیداتیو آن ها با دستگاه رنسیمت بررسی گردید. نتایج نشان داد نوع و درصد اسیدهای چرب غالب در پوسته و مغز هسته میوه به ترتیب اولئیک اسید 33 و 2/41، لینولئیک اسید 6/10 و 5/21، آلفالینولنیک اسید 6 و 1/3، پالمیتیک اسید 2/17 و 11، پالمیتولئیک اسید 1/13 و 1/3 بودند. میزان ترکیبات فنلی در پوسته و مغز هسته به ترتیب 6/25 و 3/6 میلی گرم اسید گالیک درگرم نمونه خشک بدست آمد. عدد پراکسید و عدد اسیدی در طول 4 ماه نگهداری به طور معنی داری افزایش پیدا کرداما مقدار کلروفیل در طول زمان به طور معنی داری کاهش پیدا کرد (01/0≥p ). بیشترین پایداری اکسیداتیو روغن کلزا مربوط به تیمار 3 درصد عصاره پوسته بود (05/0≥p ). عصاره پوسته تاثیر بیشتری بر مهار رادیکال های آزاد (88 درصد) نسبت به مغز هسته (75درصد) داشت که این دو می توانند ناشی از مقادیر بالاتر ترکیبات فنولیک پوسته باشد.

Traditional preference of Wild Edible Fruits (WEFs) for digestive disorders (DDs) among the indigenous communities of Swat Valley-Pakistan

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDigestive disorders (DDs) causes indisposition and lead to death, especially in the underdeveloped world where hygienic conditions are scarce. A major proportion of the human populace depends on the use of traditional knowledge about the consumption of medicinal plants for many diseases, including DDs. The contemporary study summarizes the indigenous uses of Wild Edible Fruits (WEFs) of Swat Valley used for DDs and to evaluate the bio-efficacy of these pharmacologically essential fruit species from the available literature. Material and methodsAn ethnomedicinal study was conducted in Swat valley, Northern Pakistan. Data was collected through field assessment as well as from traditional healers and local people by means of personal interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, giving value to both rural and urban communities. The ethnomedicinal knowledge was quantitatively analysed using various indices like Familiarity Index (FI), Consensus index (CI), Informant consensus factor (ICF) and the present data was compared with previous studies in the neighbouring areas using Jaccard similarity coefficient (JI). ResultsThe present study recorded use reports on 53 WEFs of ethnomedicinal prominence in the treatment of DDs, belonging to 23 families. The recurrent growth forms were trees (51%) shrubs (38%) and herbs (11%). High consumption of fruits (50%), leaves (27%) and flowers (12%) was recorded. The traditional preparations were mostly in the form of unprocessed dried/fresh, powder, Juice and decoction and were usually taken orally. Almost 20–30% of the plants occurred in synanthropic vegetation while more than 75% were found in natural woodland and grassland vegetation. Family Berberidaceae dominated with highest FIV (41) followed by Punicaceae (38), Oxalidaceae (36) and Moraceae (35). ICF values for carminative (0.6) showed high consensus factor followed by anthelmintic, gastroenteritis and intestinal disorders (0.5). FI value is high for Berberis lycium (0.5), Morus alba (0.5), Morus nigra (0.5) followed by Olea ferruginea (0.45). B. lycium had the high consensus index, whereas, a study conducted on Lesser Himalayas Pakistan showed high value of Jaccard similarity coefficient. ConclusionWEFs are predominantly used in the treatment of various diseases in the valley and traditional knowledge about the use of these species against DDs is still prevailing. Multiple uses of these WEFs suggest further investigation into its phytochemical, toxicological and pharmaceutical potential. This study will serve as a baseline data for future pharmacological studies.

Variation in Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity in Yellow Himalayan (R ubus ellipticus Smith) and Hill Raspberry (R ubus niveus Thunb.)

Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in the fruits of Rubus ellipticus and Rubus niveus were studied. A significant variation (P < 0.05) in total phenolics, flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins, ascorbic acid and β-carotene content among genotypes of R. ellipticus was observed. Total phenolics ranged from 2.56 to 3.28 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/gram (g) fresh weight (fw) for R. ellipticus and 3.21 mg GAE/g fw for R. niveus. Gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were the major phenolic compounds identified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity measured by three in vitro assays (i.e., ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power) demonstrated the utility of both the species as a source of natural antioxidants. Furthermore, the results of this study may provide baseline data for future breeding programs for variety improvement. Practical Applications Rubus ellipticus and Rubus niveus are important wild edible fruits commonly consumed as food and serve as important ingredients in traditional medicine in Asia. These species are directly collected from wild for consumption. The assessment of the antioxidant properties (ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential), phenolic content and composition of both the species may provide possible role against health benefits and future applications in functional foods and nutraceutical development. Furthermore, the variation in antioxidant properties, phenolic content and other phytochemical composition in different plants may provide baseline data for future breeding programs for variety improvement.