Ethnobotanical Study of Wild Edible Plants used by Tribes of Sawali Khurd

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical composition of the endangered medicinal plant of Moringa oleifera ‘Mungna’ belonging to family Moringaceace collected from Sawali Khurd of Wardha district, India. Moringa oleifera commonly called the horseradish tree, drumstick tree, ben oil tree, miracle tree, and Mother’s Best Friend, known for its multipurpose attributes, wide adaptability, and ease of establishment. Its leaves, pods and flowers packed with nutrients important to both humans and animals. This review gives information regarding cultivation, nutrients and uses potentials of Moringa oleifera. Where diets lack in these essential nutrients the Moringa tree makes a major contribution to human health. Many reports have appeared in mainstream scientific journals describing its nutritional and medicinal properties. Its utility as a nonfood product has also been extensively described, but will not be discussed herein, (e.g., lumber, charcoal, fencing, water clarification, lubricating oil). As with many reports of the nutritional or medicinal value of a natural product, there are an alarming number of purveyors of “healthful” food who are now promoting M. oleifera as a panacea. While much of this recent enthusiasm indeed appears to be justified, it is critical to separate rigorous scientific evidence from anecdote. Those who charge a premium for products containing Moringa spp.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera ‘Mungna’, Wild Edible Plant, Ethnobotany

Cite this Article

Chetna S Laddha, Janhavi V Kadwe. Ethnobotanical Study of Wild Edible Plants used by tribes of Sawali Khurd. Research & Reviews: Journal of Ecology. 2018; 7(2): 7–11p