Polyphenolics, Nutrients and Antioxidant Activity of Gaultheria trichophylla Royle: A High Value Wild Edible Plant of Trans Himalaya

Abstract

Gaultheria trichophylla Royle (Family-Ericaceae), a highly valued wild edible plant of Trans Himalaya, is used for the treatment of various ailments in traditional medicinal systems. The present study focuses on analyzing biochemical attributes of G. trichophylla fruits collected from different sampling sites located at different altitudes in the Trans Himalayan zone of Uttarakhand, India. The primary phytochemical analysis of polyphenolics, nutrients and antioxidant activity showed a strong positive correlation (p<0.05) with altitude. Additionally, phenolics exhibited significant (p<0.05) relationship with antioxidant activity and nutrient contents. Overall, G. trichophylla was found a potential source of natural antioxidants with high nutritious potential. Planning of large scale propagation of this species is recommended for better production through plantation of this species under rural development programs across the Trans Himalayan villages.