Nutritional and Medicinal Value of Some Underutilized Vegetable Crops of North East India- a Review

Home , Iridoid, Sarat Chandra Singha

Buragohain and Brahma Available Ind. J. Pure online App. at Biosci. www.ijpab.com (2020) 8(5), 493 -502 ISSN: 2582 – 2845

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8383 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(5), 493-502

Review Article

Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Open Access Journal

Nutritional and Medicinal Value of Some Underutilized Vegetable Crops of North East India- A Review

Nayanmoni Buragohain1* and Sanchita Brahma2 1Assistant Professor, Biswanath College of Agriculture, AAU, Biswanath Chariali, Assam 2Assistant Professor, Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, AAU, Dhubri, Assam *Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected] Received: 9.09.2020 | Revised: 17.10.2020 | Accepted: 26.10.2020

ABSTRACT To provide safe, healthy and nutritious source of food for poor income group and undernourished population is still a big challenge for our country. On the other hand, there is an increasing demand of antioxidant, calories and protein rich quality, healthy, nutritious food by the health conscious modern people. Underutilized vegetable crops are important source of valuable nutritional and medicinal component. These are cheaper and affordable than the exotic imports. Exploitation of these wild resources is an important way of income and food, especially for the poor farmers who are also underemployed.

Keywords: Nutritional value, Medicinal value, Underutilized, Vegetables, North East India.

INTRODUCTION the population is tribal. The primary factor for The Northeastern India is a chicken-necked their economy is agriculture, contributing up region connected to the mainland with a to 45% of the total economy of the region. narrow corridor and touching the international Northeast India has a subtropical boundaries of Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, climate that is influenced by its relief and Bhutan and Nepal. The region comprises eight influences from the southwest and States namely; Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, northeast monsoons. Temperatures are Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, moderate in the Brahmaputra and Barak valley Tripura and Sikkim. These eight States cover river plains which decreases with altitude in an area of 2, 62,179 sq. km. constituting 8 per the hilly areas. At the highest altitudes, there is cent of country's total geographical area and permanent snow cover. The southwest account for only around 3.76 per cent of the monsoon is responsible for bringing 90% of total population and 3.87 per cent of country's the annual rainfall to the region. April to late output. The common features of the region are October is the months where most of the ecosystem diversity, poor accessibility, rainfall in Northeast India occurs with June ethnicity and rich biodiversity. About 80% of and July being the rainiest months.

Cite this article: Buragohain, N., & Brahma, S. (2020). Nutritional And Medicinal Value of Some

Underutilized Vegetable Crops of North East India- A Review, Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. 8(5), 493-502. doi:

http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8383

Buragohain and Brahma Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(5), 493-502 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 The vegetable crops which are neither grown 98% and Chromium 32.5% respectively i.e. commercially on large scale nor traded widely the plant contains a higher concentration of may be termed as underutilized crop. These Iron, Manganese, Sodium and Potassium, crops are cultivated, traded and consumed moderate levels of Copper and Zinc and lower locally. These crops are popular among the levels of Phosphorus. (Sree & Vijayalakshmi, people in vermicular names which vary from 2018). As the minerals Mn, Zn, Mg, Cu, Fe, locality to locality. These are easier to grow Na, K, Ca and traces of chromium present in and hardy in nature and can withstand adverse recommended amounts, A. sessilis may be climatic and soil condition. Some of these are beneficial for diabetic patients. Traditionally, found to grow in association with cultivated the leaves of the plant have been used in the crops while others grow in wild state. Most of treatment of skin and eye ailments, cuts and them are very rich source of minerals, wounds and as an antidote for snake bite. vitamins, anti oxidant and other nutrients like (Subhasini et al., 2010). Also used to cool carbohydrate, proteins and fats, sometimes down the body, useful in diarrhoea, fever and even more than that of conventional anemia. vegetables. Also they are cheap and within the Amaranthus viridis L. (Slender reach of the poorer section. As the local Amaranthus/tropical green Amaranthus): peoples have been consuming these Commonly called as „Choulai‟ in Hindi underutilized vegetable for a long time they and „Khutura‟ in assamese, Amaranthus viridis are very much aware about their nutritional L. belongs to Amaranthaceae family. An and medicinal values. annual herb with stems erect or occasionally The North eastern region of India ascending, about 10-80 cm long. The tender constitutes one of the biodiversity hotspots of shoots and leaves are eaten cooked. It is a the world supporting around 50% of India‟s good source of vitamins and mineral. The biodiversity. A wide range of vegetable crops proximate analysis of edible portion indicates are grown in this region which includes that it contain (g/100g) ash- 20.20, Moisture solanaceous vegetable, cucurbitaceous, okra, 88.01, crude protein 2.29, carbohydrate 7.96, various kinds of beans, tubers and root crops, crude fiber 0.25, calorific value 541.33 kcal, spices, cole crops and some species of leafy ascorbic acid 13.40 mg/100g, β-carotenoid vegetable. The wild relatives that occur in this 6.54 mg/100g and minerals like iron 118.13, region have potential for exploitation in crop zinc 6.10, copper 2.40, manganese 224.46, improvement. In this review nutritional and sodium 94.66, potassium 73.08, calcium 66.70 medicinal values of some of the selected and magnesium 16.70 mg/100g on dry weight underutilized vegetables of north east region of basis. The antioxidant activity analysis by India are discussed. DPPH has been found to be 92.95% and Nutritional and medicinal value of some phenolic content 2.53 mg/100 g. (Saha et al., selected underutilized vegetables: 2015). The plants contain an appreciable Alternanthera sessilis (Ponangani Greens amount of nutrients and can be included in /Alternanthera): Alternanthera sessilis is an diets to supplement our daily nutrient needs important green leafy vegetable species and to fight against many of the diseases as belongs to Amaranthaceae family. Leaves and nutraceuticals. This has been used in Indian tender shoots are used as vegetables. The and Nepalese traditional system to reduce leaves are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, labor pain and act an antipyretic. The Negritos carotene, vit. C, riboflavin, niacin and crude of the Philippines apply the bruised leaves fiber. A. sessilis showed of macro and directly to eczema, psoriasis and rashes etc. micronutrients availability in RDA percentage Other traditional uses range from an anti- as Sodium 95%, Potassium 94.6%, Calcium inflammatory agent of the urinary tract, 63.7%, Phosphorus 6 %, Magnesium 66%, venereal diseases, vermifuge, diuretic, Zinc 89%, Iron 98%, Copper 80%, Manganese antirheumatic, antiulcer, analgesic, antiemetic, Copyright © Sept.-Oct., 2020; IJPAB 494

Buragohain and Brahma Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(5), 493-502 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 laxative, improvement of appetite, antileprotic, on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Singh et al., treatment of respiratory and eye problems, 2011). treatment of asthma etc. Furthermore, the plant Colocasia esculanta (Arvi/Kochu): Corms, possesses antiproliferative and antifungal runners and tender leaves of Colocasia properties as well as ribosome inactivating esculanta are used as vegetable that belongs to protein, β-carotene and antiviral activity. In Araceae family and very popular in North east addition the whole plant possesses analgesic India. Taro tuber are important source of and antipyretic properties and is used for the carbohydrates and contain about 70-80% treatment of pain and fever, respectively in starch, relatively low in protein (1.5%) and fat traditional systems of medicine. (Sharma et al., (0.2%), good source of ash (1.2%), thiamine, 2012). riboflavin, iron, phosphorous, zinc and a very Chenopodium album (Bathua): This is good source of vit. B6, vit. C, niacin, primarily a weed of agronomic and potassium, copper and manganese (Quach et horticultural crops, nurseries and occasionally al., 2003). The taro leaves are also rich in pastures belongs to Chenopodiaceae family. protein (23%) and minerals like Ca, P, Fe and In India this grows abundantly during winter vitamins. The high level of dietary fiber found season and the young leaves and shoots are in the taro leaf are also advantageous for their used as leafy vegetable. In Assam it is active role in the regulations of intestinal popularly known as „jilmil sak‟. C.album is transit, increasing dietary bulk and faeces very rich in various nutrients like proteins, consistency due to their ability to absorb water vitamins like Vit. A, Vit. C, Vit. B complex (Anan & Plahar, 1995). Taro starch is easily (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine) and minerals digestible, good for peptic ulcer patients, like iron, potassium, phosphorous and calcium. patients with pancreatic disease, chronic liver Also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. problems, inflammatory bowel disease and It has got medicinal properties like gall bladder disease (Emmanuel et al., 2007). anthelmintic, antiphlogistics, antirheumatic, As taro corm have high amount of beta- contraceptive, laxative, odantalgic etc. Also carotene it will impart vitamin A and used in the treatment of bug bites, sunstroke, antioxidant property in the body. The tubers urinary problems, skin problems etc. It is also contain anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-glucoside rich in substance called saponins and and in common with flavonoids, the related flavonoids which control diabetes, prevent anthocyanins are reputed to improve blood cancer, reduce obesity and protect our heart. It circulation by decreasing capillary fragility to has been found to have antipruritic and improve eyesight, to act as potent antioxidants, anticiceptic (Dai et al., 2002), sperm to act as anti inflammatory agents, and to immobilizing agent (Kumar et al., 2006), inhibit human cancer cell growth (Wagner, cryptomeridiol and 8-alphaacetoxy 1985). Colocasia (curry from corms and cyryptomeridiol as growth promoting activity. runners) is used as remedy for piles and It has been found to have flavonoid as tonsillitis by Koch–Rajbongshi, Bodo, Rabha phenolic amide, hypotensive activity (Horio et tribes of north Kamrup district of Assam (Das al., 1993), cinnamic acid amide, alkaloid et al., 2006). chinoalbicin, apocortinoid, xyloside, phenols Cyphomandra betacea (Tree and lignans. C. album extract was found to tomato/tamarillo): It is a semi woody exhibit excellent antioxidant and free radical perennial shrub belonging to solanaceae scavenging activity when compared with family with a height of 2-3 m, flowers are pink ascorbic acid during in vitro studies. The and pentamerous. Fruit is a berry with orange, aqueous extract of C. album leaves revealed red and reddish brown, oval, have a diameter strongest antibacterial activity on of 9-12 cm. Fruits have higher content of juice Staphylococcus aureus and methanol leaf and the ripe fruits are used either raw or made extract showed strongest antibacterial activity chutney by the local tribal people. It contains Copyright © Sept.-Oct., 2020; IJPAB 495

Buragohain and Brahma Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(5), 493-502 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 good amount of protein 1.60g/100g, Vit. A 29.00±1.38, potassium 74.46 ± 1.36, calcium (4.80 mg/100g DW), Vit. C (55.90 mg/100g 52.66 ± 0.49 and magnesium 15.30±0.20 DW), 11.20mg/100g calcium, 17.80 mg/100g mg/100g on dry weight basis (Saha et al., sodium and phosphorous 410.60 mg/100g. 2015). The fronds also possess medicinal (Mutalib et al. 2017). It also contain good properties like acts as mast cell stabilizer and amount of pectin and fiber which helps in can prevent anaphylatic shock (Das et al., preventing constipation, reduce cholesterol 2012) have laxative effect (Kagyung et al., level in blood and control sugar level of people 2010). Plant decoction is used for hemoptysis with diabetes. Tree tomato exhibit a higher and cough (Rahmat et al., 2003). Literature antioxidant activity as compared to common also revealed that the plant is also used for the and Cherry tomato for which it is considered treatment of dysentery, glandular swelling, as a good substitute for tomato (Noor Atiqah et indigestion, diarrhoea and various skin al., 2014). Many phytochemicals have been infections (Lense, 2012). reported by researchers in Cyphomandrea like Enhydra fluctuans (Water cress): Enhydra 2-methyl (1, 3, 4) oxadiazole, 2, 3-dihydro-3, fluctuans Lour, a tropical herb, commonly 5-dihydroxy-6 –methyl-4H-pyran-4-one and known as helencha/harkuch or thiazole which has anti-inflammatory, helosi(assamese), belonging to family antibacterial and antifungal properties. Asteraceae, is gaining lot of importance for its Thiazole is also reported to have anticancerous therapeutic potentials. This is an edible semi- properties. Literature has revealed that C. aquatic herbaceous vegetable plant with betacea has a significant amount of phenolics, serrate leaves, generally available during flavonoids, anthocyanin, and carotenoid which summer. The plant is a prostrate herb, quite contribute to the antioxidant activity of the glabrous sometimes pubescent glandular. The fruit extracts. The acceptable amount of tender leaves and stem are fried or boiled and phytochemicals in the fruits showed that C. taken with boiled potato, salt and mustard oil. betacea is one of the richest sources of The plant possesses nutritional value antioxidant, phytonutrients and has anti- including- Protein, ß-carotene, saponins, cholinesterase properties that can enhance cholesterol, glucoside, enhydrin and so on. human health (Hasan & Bakar, 2013). The leaves are slightly bitter, cure Diplazium esculentum (Vegetable fern): It is inflammation, skin diseases, laxative, one of the top preferred rhizomatous edible bronchitis, nervous affection, leucoderma, fern under Athyriaceae family in North east biliousness and good in small pox. It is India grown wild in tropical, subtropical and reported that plant possesses antioxidant, temperate forest. In Sikkim it is known as hepatoprotective, CNS Depressant, analgesic „ningru‟ and „dhekia saak‟ in other parts of and antidiarrheal activity. The leaves extract of north eastern region. The upper shoots are Enhydra fluctuans is an effective antibacterial cooked and used as vegetable which are rich in against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas iron, phosphorous, potassium and protein. The aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and mineral content have also been reported to be Micrococcus luteus. (Ali et al., 2013). Leaves several times greater than that is present in are also used by the local people to treat ring many commercial fruits. (Badola, 2010). The worm (Das et al., 2006). proximate analysis of edible portion indicates Houttuynia cordata (fish mint/chameleon that it contain ash- 14.42 ± 0.01g/100g, plant/heart leaf): Houttuynia cordata, also Moisture 71.74 ± 0.417 g/100g, crude protein known as „Mosundary‟ in assamese grows in 18.32 ± 0.028 g/100 g, crude fiber 4.45± 0.013 moist, shady locations. A herbaceous perennial g/100g, ascorbic acid 23.59± 0.05 mg/100,β- plant belongs to family piperaceae that can carotenoid 4.65±0.03 mg/100g and minerals grow to 0.6–1 meter, leaves are alternate, like iron 38.20 ± 0.07 ,zinc 4.30 ± broadly heart-shaped, flowers are greenish- 0.26,manganese 21.11±0.87, sodium yellow and borne on a terminal spike. It Copyright © Sept.-Oct., 2020; IJPAB 496

Buragohain and Brahma Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(5), 493-502 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 normally blooms in the summer. It is spleen. They are good for those suffering from commonly grown as a leaf vegetable and is cough and indigestion. Unripe fruits act as used as a fresh herbal garnish. In northeastern appetizer and astringent. Seeds are used in India, it is commonly used in salads or cooked chest problems and stimulate urinary with other vegetables, along with fish as fish discharge. Roots are rich in saponin and curry and as a garnish over side dishes. The bessisterol which may be used in tender roots can also be ground into chutneys pharmaceutical industry. along with dry meat or fish, chilies, and Murraya koenigii (Curry leaves): The plant tamarind. H. cordata is a medicinal and edible belongs to Rutaceae family and highly valued herb with an aromatic smell that has long been for its leaves which are used for flavouring and used in Asia to treat pneumonia, hypertension, spicing of food. A very popular spice herb constipation, and hyperglycemia via known for its aroma is used in dal, curry, as detoxification, reduction of heat and diuretic chutney by the local people. The leaves have action. There is accumulating evidence of been found to contain high amount of multiple pharmaceutical effects of H. cordata, carbohydrate, fair amount of protein and fiber, such as anti-cancer, anaphylactic inhibitory, low amount of fat, a fair content of Vit. A and anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, anti- vit. B3 (niacin), rich in magnesium, calcium, allergic, anti-oxidative, anti-viral, anti- sodium and trace amount of potassium and bacterial, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic zinc. Presence of these minerals maintain activities. Moreover, metformin, a well-known electric potential in nerves, strong bone and biguanide antidiabetic agent that has been used teeth formation, electrolyte balance in body, for more than 60 years, exerts multiple- boosting immunity and restoring dehydration. properties such as inhibition of hepatic Phytochemical viz. flavonoid, phenols, gluconeogenesis, enhancement of insulin saponins, alkaloid, tannins and glycoside are sensitivity and augmentation of peripheral also found in leaves. With these content of glucose uptake. Despite its beneficial impacts, antioxidant, flavonoids and phenols, curry leaf metformin produces a large number of side posses anticancer, cardioprotective and effects, such as diarrhoea, nausea, cramps, antitumour property (Igara et al., 2016). vomiting, bloating, lactic acidosis, and Murraya koenigii has hepatoprotective, abdominal pain, which usually occur in clinics cardioprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, (Wang et al., 2018). It is used as a remedy for anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral properties. diarrhoea and dysentery in Asia, composes of Curry leaves have the richest source of major active ingredients such as flavonoids, carbazole alkaloid such as koenigine, volatile oils and alkaloids. The major mahanimbine and mu online extracted from identified flavonoids in H. cordata are rutin, the leaves which have been found to quercetin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin and demonstrate anticancer and antioxidant hyperin. Flavonoids provide a wide range of properties (Kirupa & Kariitha, 2015). People pharmacological activities including antiviral, of north east use curry leaves with the concept antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, that it keeps health good. It has protective antileukemic, anticancer, and effect on kidney (Ghose & Parida, 2015). immunomodulatory effects (Das et al., 2014). Paederia foetida L. (syn. Paederia chinensis Momordica cochinchinensis (Sweet gourd): Hance, Paederia scandans (Lour.) /Skunk M. cochinchinensis is very popular and widely vine grown cucurbitaceous vegetable in north east P. foetida is a climber belonging to Rubiaceae India. Immature tender fruits and leaves are family and its leaves emit characteristic used as vegetable. Fruits are rich in proteins, pungent odour upon smearing. It is available Vit. C and Vit. A. Fruits and leaves has round the year and locally known as „bhedai medicinal properties too. Fruits are used in lota‟.Young leaves and tender twigs of the ulcers, piles, sores and obstruction of liver and plants are consumed as vegetable, suitable Copyright © Sept.-Oct., 2020; IJPAB 497

Buragohain and Brahma Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(5), 493-502 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 with fish. Several reports document the dual leguminoceae and with yellowish white tiny use of the wild plant as food and medicine. flowers. Soft, tender, bright green fruits turn Presence of high amounts of protein (5%), fat blackish when mature. The pods are used for (1%), carbohydrate (3%), dietary fiber, preparations of different chutney, matured minerals (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, flowers and young shoots are used in curries iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, and and salad. Flowers, tender pods and seeds of manganese), vitamin C (271 mg per 100 g), this plant are edible and are a good source of and phenolic content increase its nutritional proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and and medicinal values. Traditionally Assamese minerals compared to other legumes (Seal, people use P. foetida for allergy, in gastralgia, 2011). It is a good source of ascorbic acid post natal pain and bleeding, diarrhoea and (26.0mg/100g), fat (20.28%), proteins dysentery and abdominal pain. Similarly in (32.82%), minerals (4.45%), Na (51.0), Mg Arunachal Pradesh it is used against urinary (34.7) and P (160 mg/100g), Ca (97.47), K disorder, kidney stone and digestive problem, (2400), Cu (2.3) and Zn (2.77 mg/100g), Fe gastric trouble, to clean stomach and against (57.1 mg/100g) and Mn (35.0 mg/100g) stomach swelling and diarrhoea, gastritis and (Singh et al. 2009). The seeds as well as the loose motion by the tribal communities. Many tender pods are known to cure stomach studies revealed the therapeutic properties of disorder, abdominal colic, bleeding piles and P. foetida as anti-diarrhoeal activity, regulate liver function (Khumbongmayum et hepatoprotective activity, anti-inflammatory al., 2005). The pods are pounded in water are activity, antitussive activity, anti-arthritic used in cleaning the face and head. Bark activity, antioxidant activity, extract used for diarrhoea and dysentery. Bark neurodegenerative disorders, anti-ulcer and leaves of the tree bean are used as lotion activity, analgesic, and others. The aerial parts for sores, skin diseases, eczema and ulcer of the plant contain iridoid glycosides (Sinha, 2001). Zuhud et al. (2001) reported (paederoside, asperuloside and scandoside), anti-bacterial properties of tree bean leaf alkaloids (paederine a and b), essential oil and extract against Escherichia coli, Vibrio volatile compounds (linalool).Studies revealed cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus that the diverse activity of iridoid glycoside cereus. viz. anti-oxidant, antibacterial, analgesic, anti- Polygonum chinense (Syn.Persicaria inflammatory, diabetic, and hepatoprotective. chinensis (L.) /(Chinese knotweed): Chinese The other major constituents present in the knotweed is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant are ursolic acid, β-sitosterol, oleanolic twining, perennial plant that can grows 70 cm acid, arachidic acid. It has been postulated that to 1 m tall when not climbing over other plants presence of these triterpenoids (ursolic acid, or structures, and otherwise it can climb over oleanolic acid and their derivatives), saturated other vegetation up to 10 m high. Known as fatty acid (arachidic acid) and β-sitosterol may Madhusoleng in assamese, Angom yensi in be responsible for its anti-ulcer activity. The Manipuri and Jaryndem in khasi and belongs plant extract of P. foetida is used in many to Polygonaceae family. Young leaves are polyherbal formulations especially those cooked with other vegetables, with dal, in fish meant for arthritis patients (Chanda et al., curry etc. The leaves of Polygonum chinense 2013). are astringent, rubefacient and vermifuge Perkia temoriana/P.roxburghii (Tree bean): (Foster & Duke, 1990). Polygonum chinense The long tender pods of tree bean are most used extensively as a detoxifying ingredient of popular and delicious vegetable in Manipur, Chinese cool tea, Contains hecogenin, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram, aurantiamide, stigmastane-3, 6-ione, and 25-r- which are consumed either raw or processed. It spirost-4-ene-3, 12-dione, which are anti- is a large tree (up to 25-30 m height) with inflammatory and antiallergic. Phytochemical spreading branches (RFRI, 2015), family- screening yielded terpenoids, flavonoids, Copyright © Sept.-Oct., 2020; IJPAB 498

Buragohain and Brahma Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(5), 493-502 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 tannins, saponins and glycosides. The plant much care and attention in the high hills of Polygonum chinense showed very promising Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and in vitro cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and Sikkim (Rai et al., 2002). Chow-chow is a antioxidant activity. Leaves are found to good source of nutrients and vitamins contain Kamferol, Quercetin, Kampferol–7-O- (Calcium, phosphorous, Vit. A and Vit. C). Glycosides, β-Sitosteroid and acids. The plant The fruits and seeds have higher antioxidant is reported to have antimicrobial and activity (Ordonez et al., 2006) and are rich in antipyretic activity. The plant is traditionally several important amino acids (aspartic acid, used to treat fever, whooping cough, chest glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, cystein, disease and wounds. The water and methanolic phenylalanine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, extract are reported to posse‟s analgesic, anti- leucine, methionine, proline, serine, tyrosine, inflammatory and antimicrobial activity threonine and valine). The softness of the fruit (Srividya et al., 2012). It is a common plant in flesh makes it particularly suitable for giving Malaysia and Vietnam, where it is used in consistency to baby foods, juices, sauces and herbal remedies, such as for the treatment of pastes. Many of these nutritional dysentery, enteritis, and sore throat. characteristics make it suitable for hospital Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (Winged bean diets. Low calorific value of chow-chow fruits or Goa bean): A robust climbing perennial could be a best alternative to supplement belonging to leguminoceae family that grows potatoes especially for diabetic patients. The up to 5 m in height generally grown in home leaves and fruit gardens with different colours of flower-white, have diuretic, cardiovascular and anti- purple and blue. The pods are four sided with inflammatory properties, and a tea made from characteristics wings about 50 cm long the leaves has been used in the treatment containing 5-20 seeds in each pod (Sahoo et of arteriosclerosis and hypertension, and to al., 2002). Seeds are globular. All parts of the dissolve kidney stones (Saade, 1996). plants viz, leaves, flowers, pods, seeds and Solanum torvum (Turkey berry): Edible tuberous roots are edible. The young tender fruits of Solanum torvum are used as vegetable pods can be stewed, boiled, fried, roasted and which grows wild in north east India. Fruits made into milk. Although at one time are thin fleshed, many seeded, born in cluster, considered as a “poor man‟s food”, it is now green in colour and yellow when ripes. The recognized as “A High Protein Crop for the small fruits (1 cm in diameter) are consumed Tropics” (NAS, 1981). Each of the parts after stir fried or boiled and it is a good source contains vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium and of calcium and iron. Researchers reported iron among other nutrients. The seeds contain fruits possess high moisture content (86.23%) 40% proteins and the roots contain about 20% and the value for carbohydrate as 7.033%, protein, which are supposed to be 10 times protein 2.322%, fat 0.278% and crude fiber more than in potatoes and yams. The flowers 3.993%. Higher concentration of minerals like and leaves also contain about10-15% protein. iron (76.869 mg/kg) and calcium (221.583 Winged beans are also rich in carbohydrate mg/kg) and other minerals like manganese and Vitamin A (300 to 900 IU). (19.466mg/kg), copper (2.642 mg/kg) and zinc Sechium edule (Chow-chow): Chow-chow is (21.460mg/kg) were observed. Vitamin A & C a very popular cucurbitaceous vegetable in the content are 0.078 mg/100g and 2.686 mg/100 north eastern region. Originated in tropical g respectively. The high iron content of fruit America, the tender shoots and tuberous roots proves the fact that, the fruits truly have are also consumed by the people. Locally hematinic property (Akoto et al., 2015). It is called as „squash‟ it is rich in amino acids. It is used in traditional medicine as poison antidote vigorous, scrambling, tuberous rooted and for the treatment of fever, wounds, tooth perennial plant, grown for its starchy edible decay, reproductive problems and arterial fruits and seeds. It grows abundantly without hypertension (Ndebia et al., 2007). Copyright © Sept.-Oct., 2020; IJPAB 499

Buragohain and Brahma Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(5), 493-502 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 Phytochemical studies discovered that the fruit Dai, Y., Ye, W. C., Wang, Z. T., Matsuda, H., have good concentration of diverse alkaloids, Kubo, M., & But, P. P. H. (2002). flavonoids, saponins, tannins and glycosides Antipruritic and antinociceptive sufficient enough to give pharmacological effects of Chenopodium album L. in effect. Therefore, fruits are not only used for mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. nutritional purposes but also fruit decoctions 81, 245-250. are regarded to be effective for cough ailments Das, B., Paul, T., Apte, K. G., Parab, P. B., and in cases of liver and spleen enlargement Chauhan, R., & Saxena, R. C. (2012). (Chah et al., 2000). Antianaphylatic and mast cell stabilizing activity of Diplazium CONCLUSION esculentum Retz.on sensitized wister The north eastern region is bestowed with rats. Inventi Impact: most congenial climatic conditions for Ethnopharmacology, 3, 136-140. productions of underexploited vegetable crops. Das, N. J., Saikia, S. P, Sarkar, S., & Devi, S. Underutilized vegetable crops require special (2006). Medicinal plants of North- attention to popularize and utilize their Kamrup district of Assam used in nutritional benefit and potential to treat many Primary health care system. Indian J. lifestyle diseases. of Traditional Knowledge, 5(4), 489- 493. REFERENCES Das, S., Yadav, S., Dubey, M., & Singh, R. Akoto, O., Borquaye, L. S., Howard, A. S., & (2014). Ethno medical value of Konwuruk, N. (2015). Nutritional and Houttuynia cordata Thunb. methanol mineral composition of the fruits of extract in experimentally induced Solanum torvum from Ghana. Int. diarrhoea. Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Res., J.Chem. Biomol. Sci. 1(4), 222-226. 5(6), 2486-89. Ali, M. R., Billah, M. M., Hasan, M. M., Emmanuel-Ikpeme, C. A., Eneji, C. A., & Rahman, S. H., & Al-Emran, M. Essiet, U. (2007). Storage stability and (2013). Enhydra fluctuans Lour: A sensory evaluation of taro chips fried Review. Res. J. Pharm. Tech. 6(9), in palm oil, palm olein oil, groundnut 927-929. oil, soybean oil and their blends. Pak. Anan, N. T., & Plahar, W. A. (1995). J. Nutri. 6(6), 570-575. Development and quality evaluation of Foster, S., & Duke, J. A. (1990). A field guide a soy fortified Ghanaian weaning to medicinal plants. Eastern and food. United Nations University Press, Central North America. Houghton Tokyo. Miffin. Co. ISBN. 0395467225. Badola, H. K. (2010). A vegetable fern, Ghosh, D., & Parida, P. (2015). Medicinal Diplazium esculentum-potential to plants of Assam, India: A mini review. food security and socio -economic Int. J. Pharmacol. Pharm. Sci. 2(6), 5- development in Himalaya. Non wood 10. News (Rome), 20, 10-11. Hassan Ali, S. H., & Bakar Abu, M. F. (2013). Chah, K. F., Muko, K. N., & Oboegbulen, S. Antioxidative and Anticholinesterase L. (2000). Antimicrobial activity of Activity of Cyphomandra methanolic extract of Solanum torvum betacea Fruit. The Scientific World fruit. Fitoterapia, 71, b 187-189. Journal, 2013, https:// doi. org/ Chanda, S., Sarethy, I. P., De, B., & Singh, K. 10.1155/ 2013/278071. (2013). Paederia foetida - a promising Horio, T., Yoshida, K., Kikuchi, H., ethno-medicinal tribal plant of Kawabata, J., & Mizutani, J. (1993). A northeastern India. J. Forestry Res. phenolic amide from roots of 24(4), 801−808. Copyright © Sept.-Oct., 2020; IJPAB 500

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