Wild Edible Research Articles

Evaluation of Anti-proliferative Potential and Antioxidant Activity of a Wild Edible Mushroom Macrocybe crassa (Sacc.) Pegler and Lodge

Evaluation of Anti-proliferative Potential and Antioxidant Activity of a Wild Edible Mushroom Macrocybe crassa (Sacc.) Pegler and Lodge

Assessment of Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activities and Bioactive Compounds of the Wild Edible Mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju

The study was aimed at investigating the biologically active compounds in Pleurotus sajor-caju wild edible mushroom and its potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella typhi (Accession No. KT037135). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis exposed the presence of bioactive components. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using the free radical scavenging method 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The methanolic extract of the P. sajor-caju was exhibited 67.42 ± 0.25% of antioxidant activity according to the DPPH. The bactericidal activity was evaluated and the results showed that the S. typhi growth was considerably decreased in a dose-dependent approach. Thus, it is recommended that the methanolic extract of the P. sajor-caju could be a lead drug and chosen to very good antioxidant activity and also effectively control the MDR S. typhi.

Wild edible plants in Ye\u015filli (Mardin-Turkey), a multicultural area

BackgroundThe Yeşilli district (Mardin) is located in the southeastern of Turkey and hosts different cultures. The objective of this study was to record the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used by indigenous people in Yeşilli, where no ethnobotanical studies have been conducted previously.MethodsAn ethnobotanical study was carried out in Yeşilli district in March 2017–March 2019 to document the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants. The data were collected by interviewing 62 informants. Additionally, the data were analysed based on the cultural importance index (CI) and factor informant consensus (FİC) to determine the cultural significance of wild edible plants and knowledge of wild edible plants among the informants.ResultsWe documented 74 wild edible taxa belonging to 31 families and 57 genera in the present study. The richness of the wild edible taxa was highest for vegetables (46 taxa), followed by medicinal plants (17 taxa) and fruit (14 taxa). The most important families were Asteraceae (ten taxa), Rosaceae (seven taxa) and Fabaceae (six taxa). The most culturally important taxa (based on the CI index) were Ficus carica subsp. carica, Lepidium draba, Anchusa strigosa, Rhus coriaria, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Sinapis alba, Gundelia tournefortii, Notobasis syriaca, Onopordum carduchorum, Malva neglecta, Mentha longifolia, Juglans regia and Urtica dioica. The maximum number of use reports was recorded for vegetables (1011). The factor informant consensus index (Fic) varied between 0.95 and 0.98 for preserved vegetables, beverages and spices and processed fruits have the highest Fic (0.99). We reported for the first time the ethnobotanical usage of 12 taxa as food. We also recorded the use of Allium wendelboanum, an endemic species in the study area.ConclusionThe obtained data were compared with data from other wild edible and ethnobotanical studies conducted in Turkey and particularly those conducted in eastern Turkey. Furthermore, the data were compared with data from studies conducted in the bordering countries of Iraq and Armenia. The present study reflects the cultural diversity of the region, and it is necessary to conduct more studies since it is thought that this diversity will contribute to the economy. This study will enable the traditional use of wild plants as food sources to be passed on to future generations.

Indigenous Wild Edible Plants of Bataw Village, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

The study was carried out as a kind of documentation of the used of wild edibles plants by the people in Bataw village, East Jaintia Hills. The results show that there are 35edible plants and belonging to 26 families being taken by the people of Bataw village as food. The mode of utilisation of wild edible plant includes 12 plant species used as vegetables, 11 species eaten as raw and 12 species consume as raw and as well as vegetable. The vast overexploitation of these indigenous wild edible plants has led to the over decline of these species. Therefore steps should be taken to protect such resources and further inventories need to undertake to understand their nutritional benefits and their long term sustenance.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Nagelle Arsi District, West Arsi Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Ethnobotanical study was conducted in Nagelle Arsi District, Ethiopia with the objective of identifying and documenting medicinal plants, associated indigenous knowledge and ethnobotanical practices of local communities. Household survey using semi-structured interviews, key informant interview, group discussions, field observations and market survey methods were used for data collection. A total 17 kebeles (smallest administrative unit) out of the 34 in the District were selected for this study, from which 90 informants for the household survey were interviewed. Eight key informants per each site were selected following purposive sampling method. Qualitative and quantitative statistical methods, priority ranking, paired comparison, direct matrix ranking, informant consensus and percentage distribution were used for data analysis. A total of 102 medicinal plants belonging to 85 genera and 55 families were collected and identified including four endemic plants to Ethiopia. The finding indicated that 65 species were used for treating human diseases, 31species for both human and livestock diseases and 7 for livestock diseases. Species used for treating cancer, blood pressure, malaria, diabetes, hemorrhoids and prostate problems were identified and documented. Seventeen medicinal plants were found to be wild edibles. Commonly used plant parts were leaves followed by roots and barks. The common routes of administration were oral followed by dermal. It was concluded that although the District was rich in medicinal plants, these species have been under serious threat due to agricultural expansion, deforestation, forest degradation and over harvesting for different purposes including firewood collections. Therefore, urgent conservation measures applying in-situ and ex-situ methods and strengthening sustainable management of natural forest were recommended. Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, Nagelle Arsi, sustainable use. DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-13-01 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

A Comparative Study of Seed Germination And Seedling Emergence of Two Wild Edible Allium Species Endemic to Zagros Areas

Allium L. is one of the largest and most diversified monocotyledonous genera worldwide. These taxa have wide geographical distribution range mainly occurred in the northern hemisphere with an important center of diversity in the Mediterranean and Irano-Anatolian regions. They include an important number of taxa of high economic values (wild edible, cultivated, medicinal, ornamentals, etc.). These geophytes species exhibit diversified adaptation strategies that permit them to persist under harsh environmental conditions. The present experimental study was designed to understanding better the environmental factors that control the natural regeneration of the two wild edible Allium (A. calocephalum and A. notabile) species endemic to Zagros areas via evaluating the effect of different (i) pre-sowing treatments on seed germination rate and (ii) soil depth on seedling emergence timing. The results of the present study confirmed relatively high seed and bulbs viabilities under the different pre-sowing treatments. In general, both Allium species have a relatively similar germination trend (around 80% without treatments) and seedling emergence (from bulbs at 5 cm) patterns. The high rate of seed germination for A. calocephalum was found under cold stratification for 1 month and soak in water for 3 days and GA3 1500 ppm with 83%, 86%, and 85%, respectively. The different germination pattern was found for A. notabile with 83%, 85%, 84% for soaking water for 2 and 3 days and GA3 1000 ppm, respectively. Whoever, these two threatened species from different taxonomical groups and habitats have different adaptation strategy. A. notabile is Mediterranean species exhibiting an optimum seedling emergence in autumn-early winter with summer underground organ dormancy to avoid the hot-dry conditions; While, A. calocephalum is IranoAnatolian species exhibiting an optimum seedling in late winter-early spring permitting it to persist thanks to its avoidance strategy of the harsh winter climatic conditions. The results of this research support the idea that Allium species from different habitats exhibit different seed germination and seedling emergency strategies allowing it to persist. The evidence of this experimental study enriches our understanding of the diversified adaptation strategy of the plants. In this context, further experimental investigations are needed to evaluate the crucial rule of the seed germination ecology and bulbs dormancy strategies on the population dynamic and persistence.

Crassocephalum rubens, a leafy vegetable, suppresses oxidative pancreatic and hepatic injury and inhibits key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes: An ex vivo and in silico study.

Crassocephalum rubens falls under the wild edible, under-cultivated traditional leafy vegetables (TLV) in Africa; it is used by locals in managing diabetes mellitus among other diseases. This study investigated the in vitro, ex vivo antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of different extracts of C. rubens. The ameliorative effects of the extracts on Fe2+ -induced oxidative injury was investigated ex vivo together with the effects of the aqueous extract on intestinal glucose absorption and muscle glucose uptake in freshly harvested tissues from normal rats. The aqueous extract was subjected to Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis to identify possible bioactive compounds which were then docked with the tested enzymes through in silico modeling. The extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, inhibited α-glucosidase and lipase enzyme activities, intestinal glucose absorption and enhanced muscle glucose uptake compared to controls. Sanguisorbic acid dilactone identified through LC-MS analysis showed a high binding affinity for catalase and lipase enzymes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results of this study suggest that the aqueous extract of C. rubens possesses better antioxidant and possible antidiabetic potentials compared to other extracts which could be associated to the synergistic action of its identified bioactive compounds.

English

English

Chemical Constituents with Inhibitory Activity of NO Production from a Wild Edible Mushroom, Russula vinosa Lindbl, May Be Its Nutritional Ingredients.

Russula vinosa Lindbl is a wild edible mushroom that is usually used for original material of food and soup and has rich nutritional value. What are the nutritional ingredients? In order to answer this question, we investigated the chemical constituents of this wild functional food. Six new compounds (1–6), together with nine known ones (7–15), were isolated from R. vinosa. The six new compounds were named as vinosane (1), rulepidadione C (2), (24E)-3,4-seco-cucurbita-4,24-diene-26,29-dioic acid-3-methyl ester (3), (24E)-3,4-seco-cucurbita-4,24-diene-26-oic acid-3-ethyl ester (4), (24E)-3β-hydroxycucurbita-5,24-diene-26,29-dioic acid (5), and (2S,3S,4R,2′R)-2-(2′-hydroxydocosanoylamino)eicosane-1,3,4-triol (6). Their structures were determined based on spectroscopic methods including HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR. Moreover, a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8 kit) was used to screen for the cytotoxicity of compounds 1–5 and 7–13 on mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The results showed that compounds 1–5 and 7–13 had no obvious cytotoxicity. In addition, the inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 7, 12, and 13 showed moderate inhibitory activity on NO production.

Some Wild Edible Plants of Tosya District (Kastamonu, Turkey)

The study was carried out between 2014-2016 to determine the ethnobotanical characteristics of the Tosya district. For this purpose, in the field studies, Tosya center and villages have been visited and plant specimens were collected and to get information about the used parts of plants. Their local names and their usage patterns were recorded. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 200 people which are 110 female and 90 male. In addition, a survey about ‘edible plants’ was applied to 217 people. According to the results of the interviews and surveys, 22 natural plant taxa, the most common use as food, were determined. These are: Scorzonera laciniata subsp. laciniata, Taraxacum serotinum, Tragopogon latifolius var. angustifolius, Tragopogon longirostris var. abbreviatus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Sinapis arvensis, Silene vulgaris var. vulgaris, Stellaria media subsp. media, Chenopodium album subsp. album var. album, Bryonia alba, Origanum sipyleum, Thymus sipyleus subsp. rosulans, Malva sylvestris, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major subsp. major, Polygonum cognatum, Rumex acetosella, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Rumex scutatus, Portulaca oleracea, Urtica dioica. Keywords : Ethnobotany, Tosya, wild edible plants, food source. *This study was presented as a poster in “Int. Symp. on Biodiversity and Edible Wild Species (Bews 2017), 3-5 April 2017, Antalya/Turkey”. DOI : 10.7176/JSTR/5-3-15

Biodiversité des macrochampignons sauvages comestibles de la forêt humide du Sud-Cameroun

Pour les communautés de forêts humides du Cameroun – Bantu, pygmées Baka et Bagyeli –, les champignons sauvages comestibles (CSC) ont toujours été considérés comme de substantielles sources alimentaires et médicinales. Cependant, peu d’informations sont disponibles sur la diversité et l’écologie des CSC du Cameroun. Aussi une étude a-t-elle été entreprise pour connaître la diversité et acquérir les connaissances endogènes des principaux champignons sauvages comestibles et médicinaux de la forêt humide de ce pays. À partir d’excursions mycologiques, d’enquêtes structurées et semi-structurées conduites dans une vingtaine de sites de cinq régions du Grand-Sud-Cameroun, les espèces de CSC ont été collectées et décrites. Quatre-vingt-quatorze taxons de CSC ont été identifiés, appartenant à 32 familles et 41 genres, dont environ 61,7 % de saprotrophes, 21,3 % de taxons ectomycorhiziens (ECM) et 17 % d’espèces du genre Termitomyces, les plus fréquemment collectées et consommées. Cette forte diversité fongique s’est traduite par un éventail varié d’habitats et de niches écologiques. Les CSC les plus appréciés sont les saprotrophes Armillaria camerounensis et Volvariella volvacea, ainsi que toutes les espèces de Termitomyces et de chanterelles. La plupart de CSC sont collectés pour la consommation. La vingtaine d’espèces de CSC ectomycorhiziens sont symbiotiquement associées aux racines de 13 genres d’essences forestières appartenant aux familles des Cesalpiniaceae et Phyllantaceae. In fine, deux principaux services écosystémiques de production sont fournis par les CSC du Cameroun : l’approvisionnement alimentaire et médicinal, et l’octroi de revenus. Des besoins de recherche s’imposent en faveur de l’étude de la biodiversité et des médicinaux des CSC de la forêt humide du Cameroun, et de la valorisation des déchets agricoles pour la culture du champignon de paille V. volvacea.

First Report about Mineral Content, Fatty Acids Composition and Biological Activities of Four Wild Edible Mushrooms.

The goal of this research was a comprehensive analysis of four wild edible mushroom species, Cantharellus cinereus, Clavariadelphus pistillaris, Clitocybe nebularis and Hygrocybe punicea, which have not been analyzed so far. Extracts of different polarities have been prepared and evaluated for their antioxidant activities by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, TRP and CUPRAC methods. For all extracts, total phenolic content was determined. Based on the analysis, it was shown that solvent type had a significant effect on the antioxidant capacities of mushroom extracts, so water extracts showed the highest activity. Furthermore, the analysis includes determination of mineral composition, fatty acid profiles and antimicrobial activity. Unsaturated fatty acids, which are very important for human health, are dominant in the studied mushroom species. Linoleic and oleic acid consist of over 50 % of the total fatty acid composition. Seventeen biologically important and toxic elements have been analyzed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS and results showed that the element concentrations were species-dependent. Also, it has been found that analyzed mushrooms did not show any antimicrobial activity. Chemometric analysis was used to understand the connection between the extracts of different polarities.

Food compositional analysis of Indigenous foods consumed by the Khasi of Meghalaya, North-East India

Indigenous foods are acquired from the natural environment and form the cultural food pattern of Indigenous People. The Khasi tribe of North-East India consume many Indigenous foods in their regular diet and there is no complete compositional data available. Therefore, comprehensive nutritive profile of 42 Indigenous foods consumed by the Khasi tribe have been analyzed. Sesamum indicum and Perilla frustescens showed high protein (37.8 ± 0.12 and 23.95 ± 1.31 g/100 g) and total fat (28.16 ± 1.50 and 23.82 ± 0.30 g/100 g) contents respectively. The highest dietary fibre (26.10 ± 0.80 g/100 g) was found in Potentilla polyphylla which also exhibits a good iron content (9.10 ± 0.11 mg/100 g). The fruits and berries are the richest source of vitamin C with the highest content seen in Prunus nepalensis (43.45 ± 1.44 mg/100 g). The highest carotenoid (12,466 ± 32.08 μg/100 g) was observed in the Alocasia macrorrhiza leaves followed by Eryngium foetidum. The highest amount of total tocopherol or vitamin E and vitamin D2 was found in nuts and oilseeds, with Gynocardia odorata containing the maximum amount (10.72 ± 0.60 and 85.10 ± 0.62 μg/100 g respectively). The wide variety of wild edibles used by the Khasi could be good sources of nutrients to combat malnutrition and to provide diet diversification not only in the West Khasi Hills but also among similar bio-diversified population.

Partial Purification and Characterization of Polyphenol Oxidase from the Wild Edible Mushroom Lepiota Procera Using Three-Phase Partitioning

Abstract Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from the wild edible mushroom Lepiota procera is partially purified and biochemically characterized using three-phase partitioning (TPP), which is an easily applied and effective method. This method includes ammonium sulfate saturation at different concentrations, t-butanol addition (1:1; 1:5), and adjustment of pH. Optimum purification parameters with 20% ammonium sulfate saturation and 1:1 t-butanol conditions led to the highest activity at bottom phase with 8.4 fold purification. Sodium dodecyl sulfate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis showed the molecular weight of the purified enzyme to be 35 kDa. The partially purified PPO presented a high level of activity with L-DOPA (Michaelis-Menten constant, Km – 0.12 mM), followed by caffeic acid (0.27 mM) and 4-methylcatechol (0.46 mM) and it is classified as a catecholase type of PPO. The enzyme had peak activity at a temperature of 40 °C and a pH value of 7.0. These results demonstrate a new enzyme source and easy purification method, useful for various industrial applications.

Consumption patterns of wild edibles by the Vasavas: a case study from Gujarat, India

BackgroundWild edibles continue to be a significant contributor to the global food basket in much of the developing world. A consensus has now been formed that information on wild edibles is an important part of ethnobotanical knowledge and hence elucidating region-specific patterns of habitat management and consumption assists policy making with regard to natural conservation, human nutrition, and human health. Using an original data set from Gujarat, India, the present research aims to document the collective knowledge of wild edibles possessed by the local Vasava tribe, as well as the habitat usage and consumption trends of these species.MethodsData were collected using three approaches: key informant interviews to record the local knowledge of wild edibles and methods of collection, village group discussions to quantify past and present consumption trends, and expert interviews to elucidate the reasons for changing consumption patterns.ResultsThrough key informant interviews, 90 species of wild edibles from 46 botanical families were identified along with their Vasavi names, plant parts utilized, habitats, and cooking methods. Of these, 60 species were also used medicinally and 15 carried economic value. Different habitats were preferred for collection at different times of the year. Village group discussions unanimously concluded that the consumption of wild edibles has significantly reduced over time. Expert interviews identified the decreased availability of these species in their natural habitats as the most important reason for their reduced consumption.ConclusionThe present study has demonstrated that the Vasavas’ collective knowledge of wild edibles is vast and that these species contribute to their dietary diversity throughout the year. The finding of the present study, namely that anthropogenically managed habitats were often preferred over natural environments for the collection of wild edibles, suggests that conservation efforts should be extended beyond wild and human-uninhabited landscapes.

Food for Thought:Putting Wild Edibles Back on The Table for Combating Hidden Hunger in Developing Countries

Food for Thought:Putting Wild Edibles Back on The Table for Combating Hidden Hunger in Developing Countries

Identification and Evaluation of Nutrient Compositions of Two Wild Edible Mushrooms in Oduoha-Emohua Forest, Rivers State

Identification and Evaluation of Nutrient Compositions of Two Wild Edible Mushrooms in Oduoha-Emohua Forest, Rivers State

Evaluation of Nutritional Quality of Some Wild Edible Plants in Central Cross River, Nigeria

According to the Nigerian National Population Commission 2006, the population of the nation was conservatively estimated to be over one hundred and seventy million. The challenge of nutritional quality to feed an increasing national population places a higher demand on poorly grown conventional plants. Thus the need to incorporate wild edible plants to bridge the extended gap between the conventional vegetable and the wild indigenous edible plants informs this research. The daily intake of vitamins and minerals are obtained from vegetables. Wild edible plants serve as food and medicine. In this study, the delicacies were prepared from two novel wild edible vegetables - Ceiba Pentandra (CPD) and Ficus glumosa (FGD). They were evaluated for nutritional quality. Their minerals and vitamins content were determined using standard methods. These delicacies were fortified with a diet of experimental rats. Twenty four (24) albino rats weighing 43.99 - 81.49 g were randomly arranged into six groups (n = 6) of six rats per group. Two groups were fed with the formulated experimental diets, while the other two were fed with protein-free (casein) and basal diets. Vitamins C and E, carbohydrate and protein were significant in CPD delicacy at (28.47±3.17%). The mineral composition showed low Na+ level, while Ca2+ concentration was also low in CPD and FGD. Phosphorus and Mg+2 were high in FGD. The FGD-fed rats had a low biological value (%) (1.38±0.01%) compared to CPD (2.29±0.01) and reference (casein) group (3.02±0.01). The reference group consumed the highest amount of food -97.06±14.70 g, followed by the basal group (88.98±10.61, with CPD having (76.46±18.78) and FGD (48.27±18.27), respectively. There were no differences in the body weight, protein efficiency ratio, net protein utilization, net protein retention, true digestibility, fecal and carcass protein levels in all the test groups. Findings indicate that nutrients from these wild vegetable delicacies may have good quality and could meet the nutritional needs of the consumer if utilize as per the standard.

Population Genetics of the Endangered and Wild Edible Plant Ottelia acuminata in Southwestern China Using Novel SSR Markers

Ottelia acuminata is an edible aquatic plant species that is endemic to southwestern China. This plant has experienced habitat degradation resulting from environmental change and extensive human disturbance. Determining the genetic variation and genetic structure of O. acuminata populations could help develop strategies to collect, evaluate, utilize and conserve the species. To this end, we genotyped 183 individuals sampled throughout the species distribution using twelve novel nuclear microsatellite loci (nSSRs). Eight of these nSSRs exhibited low average levels of genetic diversity (HE=0.351, Ho=0.376) and showed evidence of significant inbreeding across several populations. A high degree of genetic differentiation was identified among populations (FST=0.457), probably resulting from limited pollen and seed-mediated gene flow. Only 17.8% of variation existed between O. acuminata var. acuminata and other O. acuminata varieties. Bayesian analysis and a UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei's genetic distance also revealed notably low genetic differentiation among the varieties. This low genetic differentiation is possibly attributed to shared ancestral polymorphisms since their divergence. Additional taxonomic and phylogenetic studies with additional molecular markers are needed to determine the population genetic relationship between O. acuminata varieties. Conservation of this species depends on in situ and ex situ actions, such as controlling habitat water pollution and overexploitation and creating a germplasm bank based on the population genetic differences. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to understand the population genetics of O. acuminata in China using novel nSSR markers developed from transcriptome sequencing and could contribute to the conservation management of this economic plant.

Steppe-like grassland as a refuge of the wild edible and medicinal plant species in anthropogenic landscape in northeastern Croatia

Habitat fragmentation and modification have been recognized as the most serious threats to biodiversity. In Croatia, the intensive human activities resulted in the landscape transformation, reduction of grassland areas and loss of species number. Increasingly threatened are the wild edible and medicinal plants which contribute remarkably to the biodiversity of different grassland types. In northeastern Croatia, one of the last remnants of the steppe-like grassland remained preserved in a very complex anthropogenic landscape. We examined the diversity of vascular plants occurring on this small habitat patch. Among the relatively high number of plant taxa (in a total of 177) found during the two years of investigations, most could be used both for human nutrition (28 taxa), and for the treatment of a wide range of diseases (60 taxa), while some taxa have nutritional value for livestock (17 taxa). All 23 recorded taxa with edible and medicinal properties are threatened in Croatia, 21 are threatened across Europe, and two are Red Listed taxa. Our results showed that small and isolated steppe-like grassland represents an important refuge for variety of valuable plant species in intensively used landscapes. Accordingly, such small habitats should be, at least locally, effectively protected.