Ethnobotanical survey of wild edible Angi plants of Ladakh region and nutritional of some selected species ospermic analysis

Abstract

The present study was aimed to conduct an ethnobotanical survey of wild edible angiospermic plants of the Ladakh region, with a view to collect, identify, and document the edible flora and gain information on the part of plant use, time of collection, mode of preparation, and other uses. It also involved assessing various micronutrients and macronutrients of four selected plants i.e Oxyria digyna, Lactuca tatarica, Nepeta longibracteata, and Urtica hyperborea. Additionally, in vitro medicinal potential, such as antioxidant and antidiabetic activity, was evaluated. The study documented 46 wild edible angiosperm plant species across various habitats, highlighting their significance in culinary, medicinal, and cultural domains. Exploration of traditional knowledge unveils novel uses and dishes, enriching culinary traditions and dietary practices. Out of the 46 species recorded, 9 are novel records, documented as wild edibles for the first time. Furthermore, the present study is first to document the presence of Hippophae salicifolia from Zanskar region. Nutritional analyses reveal the richness of selected species in essential nutrients, amino acids, dietary fiber, and minerals, underscoring their potential as functional foods. Antioxidant assays demonstrate significant radical scavenging activity. Inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes suggests potential antidiabetic properties, warranting further investigation. Conservation and cultivation of wild edibles offer sustainable solutions to global food challenges. Traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, provides invaluable insights for utilization and preservation. Despite harsh climatic conditions, wild edibles enrich Ladakhi cuisine and offer therapeutic benefits, emphasizing their cultural and economic importance. newline