Exploring the Nutritional and Medicinal Significance of Underutilized Fruits: A Review
Abstract
Underutilized fruit crops encompass plant species traditionally utilized for various purposes such as food, fodder, fiber, oil, and their extensive medicinal attributes. Despite their multifaceted potential in ensuring food security, nutrition, health, income generation, and ecological benefits, these species remain underexplored. While commercially cultivated fruits like Mango, Banana, Papaya, Litchi, Guava, among others, dominate the market, wild edible fruits remain largely uncultivated and undomesticated. Many of these underutilized indigenous fruit crops serve as integral components of traditional medicine systems across India. Their value-added products present an opportunity for focused efforts to tap into both domestic and international markets. This overview primarily centers on elucidating the food, nutritional, and medicinal significance of these minor fruits. In India, prevalent underutilized fruits include Bael (Aegle marmelos), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Karonda (Carissa carandas), Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), Lasora (Cordia myxa L), Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis), among others. Hence, this review paper primarily emphasizes the nutritional, therapeutic, and various other values associated with these diverse fruit crops.
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Introduction
India boasts diverse and favorable agro-climatic conditions, giving rise to avast array of tropical and temperate fruits. These fruits are often referred to as "protective foods" due to their abundant reserves of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. They are predominantly composed of water, typically ranging from 80 to 90 percent, with relatively low levels of protein, fat, salt, and sugar. Fruits also serve as a valuable source of soluble dietary fiber. In addition to forming an integral part of a well-balanced diet and a healthy, active lifestyle, a substantial intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated with several health benefits. This includes the reduction of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body fat, facilitating the maintenance of a healthy weight. Moreover, fruits contribute to regular bowel movements and bolstering the immune system. Their potent antioxidant properties aid in eliminating harmful free radicals from the body, offering protection against various chronic and infectious diseases Beluhan Sand Ranogajec A 2010. Within India'sfruit cultivation landscape, major crops such as Mango, Banana, Papaya, Litchi, Guava, and others are commercially cultivated, encompassing a significant portion, approximately 75 percent, of the total fruit cultivation area. In contrast, wild edible fruits comprise species that have not been subjected to cultivation or domestication. These underutilized indigenous fruit crops, such as Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Bael (Aegle marmelos), Karonda (Carissa carandas), Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), Lasora (Cordia myxa L),and Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis), originate from their wild natural habitats and have long served as a vital source of sustenance. They hold significant importance in traditional Indian medicinal systems like Unani, Ayurveda, and Homoeopathy, where they are recognized for their therapeutic properties.
Furthermore, it is well-established that a dietrich in fruits and vegetables can effectively reduce the risk of various non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type IIdiabetes, and certain types of cancer (4). These indigenous and underutilized fruit crops playa crucial role in the diets of many local inhabitants, serving as the primary source of essential vitamins and minerals in their otherwise modest diets, particularly in rural villages. In India, some of the most commonly underutilized fruits include Jamun, Bael, Karonda, Ber, Lasora, and Phalsa. Therefore, the focus of this review paper is primarily directed toward highlighting the nutritional, therapeutic, and other valuable attributes of these underutilized fruit crops, shedding light on their significance in both traditional medicine and local diets.
