Muktadhar Reang, Dipan Sarma and Badal Kumar Datta

In this present study, Wild edible plants (WEPs) that include five spices/condiments (Alpinia nigra, Zanthoxylum rhetsa, Ocimum americanum, Trachyspermum roxburghianum, Homalomena aromatica), four vegetables (Neptunia oleracea, Oroxylum indicum, Leucaena leucocephala, Senegalia pennata), and one fruit (Flacourtia indica), were studied for traditional uses, proximate composition, and antioxidant activity. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrate (3.65-13.34%), crude protein (1.23-10.43%), and crude fat (0.05-2.38%), with corresponding energy values. Elemental analysis through EDS spectrum indicated the presence of abundant potassium (up to 34.15 mg/g), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, highlighting that WEPs are sources of natural micronutrients. DPPH radical scavenging analysis showed that Leucaena leucocephala, Zanthoxylum rhetsa, and Oroxylum indicum exhibited strong antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 125.4-196.25 µg/mL. Despite their nutritional and functional benefits, these species remain underutilized due to limited awareness, harvesting challenges, and socio-cultural perceptions that hinder domestication and conservation efforts.

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