Evaluation of nutrients antinutrients and bioactive compounds of some underutilized plants of Leh district of Ladakh

Abstract

Sustainable agricultural productivity faces challenges due to excessive reliance on staple crops, the impacts of climate change, and land degradation, all of which contribute to global food insecurity and malnutrition. Current food system produces major quantities but not all the needed nutrients and hence plant-based food is required for sustainable and healthier diets. To eradicate the nutritional challenges such as malnutrition, non-communicable chronic diseases, and the goal of zero hunger through sustainable agricultural practices, it is crucial to promote crop diversification by increasing the cultivation of underutilized plants. These plant varieties serve as an illustration of resources embedded in ancient practices, as they have an under-exploited potential to address issues related to food, nutrition, health, income generation and environmental services. They have the potential to withstand harsh environmental conditions and are well adapted to marginal lands with low input requirements. Moreover, these plants are naturally abundant and serve as a cost-effective sustainable source of nutrients compared to numerous exotic leafy vegetables. Commercialization and utilization of these underused plants offers advantages for enhancing health, nutrition, dietary variety and overall food availability. In Ladakh, due to adverse climatic conditions and limited agricultural productions, the local inhabitants have relied extensively on the diverse range of plants as a key food source for many years. Some of the underutilized wild plants with high significance importance include Allium prezewalskianum, Carum carvi, Capparis spinosa, Cichorium intybus, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Fagopyrum esculentum, Lepidium latifolium, Oxyria digyna, Rhodiola imbricata and Urtica hyperborea. These plants highlight the impressive nutritional and medicinal quality, based on the results revealed through analysis of essential nutrients, bioactive components, antioxidants, antinutrients and identification of phytochemicals.