Exploring the nutraceutical potential and safety assessment of wild edible plants in Sikkim, India: A comprehensive analysis

Abstract

The consumption of wild edible plants has been instrumental in addressing food and nutritional needs and improving the health of marginalized communities in rural areas worldwide. This study aimed to assess the nutritive value, mineral content, vitamin content, and toxicological status of ten wild edible plants, namely Aralia armata, Macropanax dispermus, Fagopyrum dibotrys, Heracleum wallichii, Tupistra clarkei, and Rumex nepalensis. These plants are commonly consumed by tribal communities in Sikkim, India. Samples of these plants were collected from various regions in Sikkim, and their nutraceutical potential was evaluated using established food analysis methods recommended by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The analysis revealed high protein contents in several species, notably in A. armata (19.30±1.01%). Carbohydrate content ranged from 6.42±0.10% (R. nepalensis) to 11.16±0.48% (T. clarkei). Moreover, all plants exhibited significant mineral content, including sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Additionally, water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C (11.51±0.24 - 87.56±0.41 mg/100g of dry plant material) as well as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9 were present in appreciable amounts. The levels of antinutrients, such as oxalate, phytate, and saponin, as well as heavy metals (lead, chromium, cadmium, and mercury), were found to be below the established toxic thresholds in all plants. Thus, they pose no immediate health risks associated with these compounds. Furthermore, assessments of haemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity of water extracts from the wild edible plants indicated their safety for human consumption. Therefore, this study highlights the potential utilization of wild edible plants as a source of dietary supplements, potentially leading to their commercialization. Understanding consumer perceptions towards wild edible plants in India is crucial in this regard.