Nutraceutical and antioxidant potential of selected wild edible plants from the cold-arid desert of Ladakh, India

Ladakh’s wild edible plant species (WEPs) provide a vital source of food, nutrition, and medicine to the region’s indigenous populations. However, WEPs’ nutritional and antioxidant properties are missing in the region. The current study examined the nutritional values, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and antioxidant capabilities of 11 WEPs from the cold-arid region of Ladakh, India. Lactucata tatarica had the greatest carbohydrate content (36.48 ± 0.15 mg g-1Dw) among 11 wild edible plant species. Malva verticillata had a greater glucose concentration (292.74 ± 0.01 ng g-1Dw), and Urtica hyperborea had higher protein and vitamin C levels (38.07 ± 2.44 and 49.95 ± 1.18 mg g-1Dw, respectively). The plant samples collected were also shown to have high total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant capabilities. Our findings revealed that these species should be promoted as a natural source of nutraceuticals, with the potential to supplement the diets of locals. To boost food availability in a location noted for its intense weather conditions and short vegetative period, an agroforestry system that promotes sustainable use and increases the output of these species is critical.