Comprehensive review on ethnobotanical, nutritional and functional properties of wild edible fruits of North Eastern Himalaya, India.

Abstract

The Northeastern Himalayas, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, are home to a diverse array of wild edible fruits integral to the region's ecological and cultural tapestry. These fruits serve as vital dietary components, traditional medicinal resources, and economic assets for rural communities. Despite their rich phytochemical composition and functional properties, they remain primarily underexplored in scientific research and industrial applications. This review focuses on a selection of nutritionally rich Himalayan wild fruits, including Diospyros lotus, Elaeagnus umbellata, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gaultheria trichophylla, Pyrus pashia, Rubus niveus, and Vaccinium glaucoalbum, renowned for their phytochemical abundance, particularly antioxidants, these fruits are pivotal in promoting a balanced, healthy diet. Beyond their health benefits, they hold significant industrial potential. This paper systematically evaluates the existing literature, examining the ethnobotanical significance, health benefits, chemical composition, and industrial applications of these fruits as sources of novel functional foods, nutraceuticals, natural preservatives, and unique flavors. The insights presented in this study aim to encourage researchers, the food and pharmaceutical industries, and policymakers to integrate them into mainstream food sectors, thereby advancing global food security, industrial innovation, and sustainable economic development in the Himalayan region.