Wild Edible Plants Used by the People of Manang District, Central Nepal

Abstract

Plant diversity plays an important role in maintaining the world's foods demands. Even today in Manang, a remote, mountainous district within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal, local people gather substantial amounts of wild plants to meet their daily nutritional needs, with several species also used for trade. There has been little documented regarding the use of these wild foods, which play a part in both daily nutrition, and survival during times of famine. Moreover, planning for development, land use, economic growth and biodiversity conservation has not taken them into account. Information about edible wild plant use was gathered by interviewing knowledgeable villagers over a period of five years (2002-2006). In total, 41 plant species were used as sources of fruits, juice, vegetables, and achar (local relish or pickle). Several wild food plants that need intensive processing before consumption were documented, including the calcium oxalate containing Arisaema species. The traditional knowledge of use of wild food plants is decreasing in many parts of the world with the introduction of modern packed food items and Manang is not the exception. The results of this research will help to play a catalytic role to encourage dialogue among the people of Manang, and national and international scientific communities regarding long term bioprospecting research, and shape the creation of a rural livelihood strategy. Analysis of the nutritive and health values of some of these edible plant species may encourage the scientific community to build partnerships with local community to work towards long term sustainable utilization and conservation.

Diversity, Knowledge, and Use of Plants in Traditional Treatment of Diabetes in the Republic of Benin

“…This is probably because leaves are easy to collect compared with roots, flowers, and fruits (Giday et al 2009, Telefo et al 2011. This observation may also be due to the fact that leaves are the main photosynthetic organs containing photosynthates, which might be responsible for active principles (Bhattarai et al 2006). In this respect, many studies have reported the medicinal properties of extracts from leaves.…”

“…The use of plant parts may make the species vulnerable unless they are harvested sustainably (Bhattarai et al 2006). Indeed, the reported use of the whole plant and the roots may be prejudicial for plant stability or propagation (Cunningham 2001) compared with the use of aerial organs (e.g., leaves, fruits, and seeds) because these plant structures are renewable (Sheldon et al 1997).…”

“…Indeed, the reported use of the whole plant and the roots may be prejudicial for plant stability or propagation (Cunningham 2001) compared with the use of aerial organs (e.g., leaves, fruits, and seeds) because these plant structures are renewable (Sheldon et al 1997). However, Bhattarai et al (2006) stressed the vulnerability of plants as a result of leaves harvested, and related this with the fact that they contain more chemical defense compounds in the form of biologically active metabolites. Similarly, it has been reported that the harvest of leaves and fruits might well affect the reproductive performance of the species (Gaoué 2008, Hall & Bawa 1993).…”

“…The available information is on the antidiabetic plants sold by plant traders in two communal districts of southern Benin. Hence, other potential groups of informants such as traditional healers, diabetic patients, or agricultural farmers who can readily provide reliable details on potential antidiabetic plants were not considered (Bhattarai et al 2006, Ocvirk et al 2013, Semenya et al 2012b). …”

Flexibility of Scope, Type and Temporality in Mustang, Nepal. Opportunities for Adaptation in a Farming System Facing Climatic and Market Uncertainty

“…In Mustang at least 70 species are used for medicine by amchis, Tibetan doctors [26], while more than one hundred NTFP species are consumed by the local people of Mustang [36]. The collection, use and sale of NTFP is widespread also in other districts such as Manang [37]. In Jharkot, NTFPs contribute to increase the opportunity space of productive activities and offer occupational alternatives in lean seasons.…”