Wild Edible Plants of Meghalaya State in India: Assessment of Nutritional and Toxicological Potential

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Wild edible plants (WEPs) have long been recommended as a functional food and played a vital role in meeting food and nutritional needs, as well as improving the health of underprivileged communities in many rural areas around the world. This study aims to investigate the dietary value, micronutrients, and toxicological status of five WEPs such as Herpetospermum pedunculosum, Coix lacryma-jobi, Sonchus asper, Plukenetia corniculata, and Streptolirion volubile, consumed by indigenous people in Meghalaya, India. All of the plants included significant amounts of protein (5.42-22.16%), carbohydrate (4.47-44.22%), minerals, and vitamins, all of which were measured according to WHO guidelines. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the collective proximate composition, vitamins, and minerals content to discriminate among the plants.   The amounts of anti-nutrients and heavy metals in all plants are below lethal limits. Water extracts of all WEPs have been tested for haemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity, ensuring that they are safe for human consumption. Therefore, the focus of this research is on the use of WEPs as a source of dietary supplements, which could lead to the commercialization of the product and, as a result, assess consumer perceptions of wild edible plants in India.