The Western Ghats of India are renowned for their rich biodiversity, including a plethora of wild edible fruits that have been integral to the diet and traditional medicine of indigenous communities for centuries. These fruits, besides their culinary appeal, harbor a diverse array of bioactive compounds with significant health-promoting effects. This review aims to explore the nutritional and medicinal properties of select wild edible fruits native to the Western Ghats, highlighting their bioactive compounds and potential health benefits. Drawing upon scientific literature and indigenous knowledge, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and other bioactivities associated with these fruits. Additionally, the review discusses the cultural significance and sustainable harvesting practices of these fruits, emphasizing the importance of conserving both the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the traditional knowledge associated with these valuable resources. Overall, this review underscores the potential of wild edible fruits from the Western Ghats as functional foods and sources of bioactive compounds for promoting human health and well-being.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Wild Edible Fruits from the Western Ghats: A Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds with Health-Promoting Effects: A Review

  • Gowtham Kannan,
  • Benedict Mathews Paul,
  • Parimelazhagan Thangaraj

摘要

The Western Ghats of India are renowned for their rich biodiversity, including a plethora of wild edible fruits that have been integral to the diet and traditional medicine of indigenous communities for centuries. These fruits, besides their culinary appeal, harbor a diverse array of bioactive compounds with significant health-promoting effects. This review aims to explore the nutritional and medicinal properties of select wild edible fruits native to the Western Ghats, highlighting their bioactive compounds and potential health benefits. Drawing upon scientific literature and indigenous knowledge, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and other bioactivities associated with these fruits. Additionally, the review discusses the cultural significance and sustainable harvesting practices of these fruits, emphasizing the importance of conserving both the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the traditional knowledge associated with these valuable resources. Overall, this review underscores the potential of wild edible fruits from the Western Ghats as functional foods and sources of bioactive compounds for promoting human health and well-being.