Ethnobotanical study of indigenous edible dried vegetables in Thar Desert: A review

The present observation aimed at identification and evaluation of valuable wild edible plant vegetables/fruits used by indigenous people as dried vegetables. In this study ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological activities of twelve wild vegetables of five families including Leguminoceae, Cucurbitaceae, Podaxaceae, Capparidaceae and Asclepiadaceae were evaluated. Cucurbits and legumes were mostly consumed by tribal people due to abundance of these plant families in the Thar Desert followed by Podaxis pistillaris (L.) Fr., Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. and Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne. There is a great need to pay more attention on study of phytochemical and pharmacological activities of unrecognized edible Mushroom Podaxis pistillaris (L.) Fr. Wild edible plants are utilized in the dietary habits and medicinal practices of tribal communities, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, knowledge about these wild edible plants can assist the industry and healthcare professionals in developing innovative drugs, formulas, or food products to enhance human well-being and address various contemporary health issues.