The NE region of India falls in the global hotspot of biodiversity. Wild edible plants (WEPs) are widely consumed in the daily diet of the local people. WEPs are critical for the sustenance of ethnic ...communities and also as a source of income. However, WEPs received a little attention in research activities, economic development, biodiversity conservation and sustainable management. Many are largely ignored and remained unexplored. With a view of reducing the gap in traditional knowledge and tapping the hidden potential resources for proper utilization, exploitation, and sustainable management of WEPs are crucial.
Surveys were conducted at 20 major markets in all districts of Manipur throughout different seasons from August 2012 to March 2014. A total of 154 avid plant collectors and sellers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire, formal, informal and extensive interactions to gather detailed information about these species. An integrated assessment of 68 wild leafy vegetables was also carried out to prioritize them for proper exploitation, conservation, and sustainable management.
A total of 68 wild edible vegetables belonging to 42 families were documented which are being used by indigenous communities for nutritive and therapeutic purposes. Of these species, 54 are perennial (79 %) while others are annual (19 %). Herbaceous plants make up the highest proportion of edible plants. Leaves are dominant edible part followed by shoot and stem, and most are consumed through cooked food. Further, 57 species (84 %) are commonly available, and 11 (16 %) are rare. According to integrated assessment, 2 species have highest integrated value, 26 species have high value, 31 species have general value and 9 species are of low value. The majority of the species have a high or general value.
Manipur has rich wild vegetable resources. However, many of them are seldom collected or cultivated given their importance in sustaining and diversifying diet. A comprehensive assessment indicated that majority of these plants have high value. Priority species require further research into their nutritional components to understand the potential as a source of future food and nutritional security. They should be promoted for integration into the agricultural system and income generation for local sustenance.
also known as water spinach, is an aquatic non-conventional leafy vegetable and is considered a healthy and seasonal delicacy in ethnic food culture. The study revealed the presence of rich chemical ...and biochemical composition in
and antioxidant activities. Moreover, the plant extracts demonstrated significant DNA damage prevention activity against UV/H
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-induced oxidative damage. High-resolution mass spectrometric analysis by UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS resulted in the identification of over 65 different compounds and 36 important secondary metabolites. Most of the compounds identified represented polyphenolic compounds,
polyphenol glycosides and phenolic acids, followed by alkaloids and terpenoids. A UPLC-DAD method was developed and quantified for 10 different polyphenolic compounds. Out of all the metabolites examined, a significant number of compounds were reported to have various bioactive properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, hepatoprotection, and anti-depressant effects. The plant extracts were found to contain various compounds, including euphornin, lucidenic acid, and myricitin glycosides, which possess significant medicinal value. Metabolite analysis utilizing GC-MS revealed the presence of various fatty acids, amino acids, sugars, and organic acids. The analysis revealed the presence of essential unsaturated fatty acids such as α-linolenic acid as well as beneficial substances such as squalene., The evaluation of glycemic control activity was carried out by comprehending the inhibitory potential of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, outlining the kinetics of the inhibition process. The inhibitory activities were compared to those of acarbose and revealed stronger inhibition of α-glucosidase as compared to α-amylase. Furthermore, the mechanism of inhibition was determined using
analysis, which involved molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation of the identified IA phytochemicals complexed with the hydrolase enzymes. The study generates convincing evidence that dietary intake of
provides a positive influence on glycemic control along with various health-protective and health-promoting benefits.
An efficient and quick in vitro regeneration protocol was developed for black gram (Vigna mungo) using wounded embryonic axis with cotyledon as explant. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented ...with 4.44 μM BAP and 2.32 μM Kinetin was found to be effective in producing maximum number (mean 7.80) of multiple shoots. The individual shoots elongated to 4.5 cm when MS medium was supplemented with 2.89 μM GA3 along with 0.44 μM BAP and 0.46 μM KIN. A novel in vitro rooting technique was also optimized for black gram using half-strength liquid MS medium supplemented with 1.34 μM NAA. The shoots in this medium produced the highest number (mean 7.50) of roots with root length of 6.02 cm. The plantlets were transferred to soil mixture and placed in greenhouse where more than 80% successfully grew to maturity. The same protocol was successfully used to generate transgenic black gram lines carrying Bt-Cry2Aa gene through Agrobacteriummediated transformation with a transformation efficiency of 0.42%. The rooted T0 plants grew to maturity and produced T1 seeds with the presence and expression of transgene in T1 plants. Thus, we have standardized an in vitro regeneration protocol suitable for generation of stable transgenic black gram plants.
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