2015, Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part B

author(s)
Gayatri Oak, Poonam Kurve, Siddhisha Kurve, Madhuri Pejaver

abstract
Nutraceuticals is a newly emerged term across the globe but has been existing in the tribal community in India since ages. This preventive approach of including food of medicinal and nutritional value in the diet had been a regular practice amongst the tribes. Though an integral part of their diet previously, a sharp decline is noted in awareness about this in the recent generations. The present study is conducted in tribal areas of Thane district (Maharashtra, India) in year 2013-14 focusing mainly on the tribes of Warli, Katkari and Kokona community. 54 edible plants from 39 different families were identified from the study locations. Efforts are being taken by NGOs to conserve the traditional knowledge about the wild edible plants and also encourage their use, thereby reducing the problem of malnutrition in tribal areas.