Vol. 3, Special Issue 3, Part I (2017)

Abstract
Wild edible plants form an important constituent of traditional diets in Vidarbha. In total of 125 wild species documented 16 have been screened for their nutritional values out of which Chlorophytum tuberosum is selected for present study. Among different plant parts, generally higher nutrient concentration was recorded for leaves. Fresh as well as shade dried material was used for estimation of moisture content, chlorophyll, anthocyanin, lycopene, vitamin-C, vitamin-A, crude fibre, lipid, fat, reducing and non-reducing sugar, total soluble sugar, starch, total nitrogen and phenols. Mineral content was estimated in terms of ash yield and further analysis was carried out for qualitative and quantitative estimation of different elements. Among the various macronutrients estimated in the plant samples of different wild edible species, many were present in highest quantity. Micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper contents were analyzed in different plant parts of various wild edible species. The iron content was higher in leaves and new shoots. The nutritive values of certain wild edible species determined in this study are comparable with various commercial vegetables. It is suggested that a few wild edible species need to be grown for commercial cultivation and adopted in the traditional agro forestry systems, which will lead to reduced pressure on them in natural forest stands as well as producing economic benefits for poor farmers.