Wild edible fruits of northeast India: Medicinal values and traditional practices

Abstract

Wild edible fruits are rich sources of dietary fibers, macronutrients, vitamins and minerals having a potential to provide healthy and balanced diet. Such edible fruits obtained from the wild occupy a significant place among the indigenous community and found to play an important role in supplementing the diet of rural people. Studies have shown that wild fruits contain several bioactive compounds including anthocyanins and flavonoids and elicit various activities such as free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer. The wild edible plants and fruits occupy a significant place in the life and traditional practices of the indigenous people living in Northeast India. Wild fruits have been reported to be utilized in traditional medicine for curing various ailments including gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological and respiratory problems, cardiovascular compliance, bone diseases, allergy and malaria. These fruits were also reported to contain highly nutritious components including vitamins, minerals and healthy fibers. This chapter will discuss the description and traditional practices on the utilization of wild fruits from Northeast India.