The Role of Wild Food Plants of Himachal Pradesh in Boosting Immunity to Combat COVID-19

Email: stara1982@gmail.com Abstract Purpose: The study aimed to document wild food plants usefulness in boosting immunity, fighting COVID-19 and other related viruses. The study also examined the diversity, distribution, parts used and season of availability of wild food plants that can be useful in boosting immunity to fight COVID-19. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted in Himachal Pradesh (30 22' 40" to 33 12' 40" N Latitudes and 75 45' 55" to 79 04' 20" E Longitudes) northwest Himalaya from March 2020 to April 2021 by survey, sampling and interviewing knowledgeable persons through a questionnaire for the plants which are traditionally used as tonic and medicine to cure cough, cold and fever. Plants rich in antioxidant, Vitamin A,C and Zn were documented for their potential to boost immunity. Results: Ninety-five wild edible plants have been documented in this study belonging to forty families and seventy-seven genera. Family Asteraceae is found dominant, represented by 8 species followed by Lamiaceae (7 sp), Rutaceae and Brassicaceae (represented by 6 species each). Among genus, Ficus is found dominant represented by 4 species followed by Amaranthus, Oxalis, Rumex and Citrus (represented by 3 species each). These plants have been documented based on their medicinal and nutritive value like the richness in antioxidants, their ability to act as a body cleanser, cure common cold, cough and fever (Symptom similar to COVID-19) as revealed by a discussion with locals and literature reviews. These plants can be incorporated in our day-to-day life as a food, flavoring agent, or food supplement to boost immunity, fight COVID-19 or future challenges like COVID-19. Traditional knowledge of using these plants is on a sharp decline and their acceptability as a medicinal herb, food plants, or food supplement is the need of the hour to combat present and future challenges of pandemic COVID-19. Conclusion: Revitalization of our traditional health care and herbal healing with the use of nutritionally important medicinal wild food plants will be helpful to boost immunity and face ongoing and future challenges of pollution, stress, depression and pandemic like COVID-19. This can be done by addition of documented plants as food and food supplement with some modern twist in our food plate.


Introduction
Himalayan forests are the unique treasures of bio resources that act as an important source of medicinal and edible plants for the local communities (Bhat et al., 2013). People have been using these plants as food, fibers, oil, dyes, timbers, fuel, fodders, medicine and materials from time immemorial. Some of these plants also act as an important source of food at the time of scarcity and their use offers many advantages over commercial food plants. Ninety-five(T= 12 spp; Sh= 21 spp. H= 59 spp. Fruiting Body=3) plant species belonging to forty families and seventy seven genera were documented. These are known to have rich nutritive, medicinal value and are excellent sources of minerals like Zn, Mg and antioxidants like Vitamin A, C, D, etc. Family Asteraceae has been found dominant represented by 8 species followed by Lamiaceae (7 sp.) Rutaceae and Brassicaceae (represented by 6 sp. each). Among genus, Ficus was found dominant represented by 4 sp. followed by Amaranthus, Oxalis,Rumex and Citrus represented by 3 sp. each. Most of these wild plants are used by local people to get rid of cough, cold, bronchitis and can be further employed to boost immunity and protection from COVID -19 Table 2.   (Buruleanu, et al., 2018) Possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties (Fernandes,et al., 2018)  Antitumor,Antioxidant,Antiinflammatory ,Immune enhancement (Nitha &Janardhanan, 2005)  Boost oxygen distribution in the body, increases energy levels, and supports healthy immune function (Bown, 1995)  Used as diuretic, febrifuge, abortifacient, germicidal, tonic and pot-herb and for asthma, antifertility in women, boils, bronchitis, cold, colic, child birth, cough, debility, dropsy, dysentery, ear complaints, eye complaints, headache, hydrophobia, insect-bite, liver complaints, pain in ribs and body, piles, pneumonia, reducing hunger, renal complaints rheumatism, scabies, scorpion-bite, skin diseases, snake-bite, sore, stomachache, syphilis, toothache whooping cough, wounds; and also to expel placenta, worms and ward off ghosts. It is reported to be useful in cancer. (Karnick et al., 1981.Jain, 1991Purohit, et, al,. 2009 (Duke and Ayensu, 1985) The seed is used as a poultice for broken bones. Used to control excessive bleeding during menstruation.
Rt is demulcent, used as tonic & useful in diarrhoea, galactagogue, dysentery, and general debility. These are Antispasmodic, appetizer and have cooling effect on body. Rt known to increase sperm count and maintaining hormonal balance, thus increase fertility both in man and women. Plant also possess antioxidant properties and is a perfect rejuvenative tonic for those people suffering from fatigue problems. Mg present in asparagus energizes cells and helps in relieving health disorders like fatigue, depression anxiety and headache. Detoxification property of sansarpali plant cleanses blood cells, regulate blood pressure, blood sugar and improving immune system. (Bown, 1995)  "Rasaunt" and is used to cure eye infections.
Its sap is said to be febrifuge and laxative 3 . It has an aromatic pungency leading it to be much used in many countries for treating respiratory chestailments, colds and bronchitis 3 .The dried leaf is smoked like a cigarette for treating chestcomplaintsandbronchitis. (B urkill, 1995(B urkill, :Ruffo,et al.2002 Summers to autumn season The plant is said to be emollient and is used in baths or as a fumigant 1. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of ophthalmia. A decoction of the Rt in milk or water are used as an emetic; a general antidote in the treatment of poisoning; and a remedy against constipation and intestinal pains . An infusion is used externally to treat wounds, scabies, itching and various skin conditions. The plant is a potential immune stimulant, antiviral, and antibacterial (Chopra et al., 1956;Kermath et al.,  The seeds are used as a stimulant in the treatment of coughs. The expressed oil from the seeds is used in the treatment of pulmonary affections. The unripe fruit is astringent and is eaten in the treatment of bloody dysentery. (Chopra et al., 1956;Sood and Thakur, 2004;Pallab et al., 2016 An infusion of this plant has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds, fevers and leucorrhoea.It is also antirheumatic, antiscrophulatic, depurative, detergent A tincture of the leaves is applied as an ointment to gout. An infusion of the flowers has been used as an eyewash (Duke and Ayensu, 1985;Moerman, 1998 )  Known to be used for body ache, diarrhea, fever, flue, indigestion, liver complaints, mouth ulcer and skin diseases and as an anthelmintic, aperient, blood purifier, diaphoretic, appetizer, laxative, cool drink and vegetable ( Sood and Thakur , 2004;Nayar et al., 1956;Dhiman, 1976;Dury, 1978;Singh, 2018 Powered plant parts are useful in general eye diseases, halfone g twice a day for 8-10 days.The plant is astringent to the bowel, anthelmintic, useful in diseases ofthe heart, bronchitis, loss of appetite, diarrhea and dysentery (Kirtikar & Basu, 1935;Sood & Thakur, 2004 ) Fl Plant is useful to settle flatulence and stimulates the flow of bile. Strongly antiseptic, it may be taken to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs, tonsillitis, bronchitis and asthma.
Volatile oil obtained from plant is aromatic, stimulant, rubifacient and tonic; useful in colic, diarrhoea, hysteria, rheumatism and toothache. The diluted oil can applied to toothache or painful joints. Locally, the tablet made from leaves is administered orally in bone fractures. The paste of the Lf is applied in fire burns, eczematous skin, boils, cuts and wounds (Bown, 1995;Chauhan, 1999;Purohit et al., 2009;Singh, 2018 ) Spring to summer  (Sood & Thakur, 2004;Singh, 2018 Lf paste is also used to get rid off body lice and strengthening of hairs. They consider leaf extract intake effective against nose bleeding and cough.
The essential oil of the Lf called oil is medicinally used as carminative, antiflatulent, diuretic, and in cardiac disorders. "Ayurveda" describes the use of Lf used in the treatment of ailments such as anorexia, bladder disorders, dryness of mouth, coryza, diarrhoea, nausea and spermatorhea , It has hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic properties (Kar et al., 2003;Showkat et al., 2004) Lf  , 1985;Parmar, & Kaushal (1982 Fr act as demulcent and laxative. They are mostly used as diet in case of constipation and in diseases of the lungs and bladder. They are also used as poultices. (Kirtikar & Basu, 1935;Karnick,et al.,1981;Shiksharthi& Mittal,2011)  It is used as a galactagogue and is helpful in gynaecological disorders. Fr are active against leprosy, menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, and blood disorders, burns, intestinal worms, dry cough, and urinary tract infections. Bronchitis, bowel syndrome, and piles are treated with its Lf , in the Unani System of Medicine. The Lf buds are effective against skin infection, and a decoction of the Lf is used in wound washing and healing. A decoction of the Br is given for the treatment of piles, ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea, and dysentery. It is also given in the treatment of diabetes and asthma. The latex is externally applied on wounds to decrease inflammation, pain, and promote its healing. It is used with sugar to reduce diarrhoea and dysentery, especially in children, and improves the sexual power in males. The Rt of the plant are used in dysentery, pectoral complications, and diabetes, and also applied in inflammatory glandular enlargement, mumps and hydrophobia (Joseph & Raj, 2011;Shiksharthi& Mittal,20112011) Fr in April-July and tender leaves throughout the year The total soluble solids of the sweet jelly-like substance, however, are 9.9 Powdered Fr are given to cure piles.
The latex from the St is applied to cuts and wounds and Fr are effective in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery (Kirtikar & Basu, 1935;Karnick,et al.,1981; %. Sugars are 6.15%; the reducing sugars are 6.12 %; the non-reducing sugars are 0.03 % & pectin is 0.48 %t. The vitamin C 3.35 mg per 100 g The protein content of the fruit is 0.59 %. Total minerals are 1.068 per cent , as represented by its ash. P, K, Ca, Mg, & Fe is, 0.039, 0.331, 0.039, 0.045 and 0.003 (Parmar, & Kaushal (1982)  Fe.036mg;Mg, 45mg; Mn, 0.259 mg: P, 50; K, 46.1;Na, 42; Zn,0.45 mg (Dahot,1988) Act as a cardiac/circulatory tonic, used as a laxative, abortifacient, treating rheumatism, inflammations, articular pains, lower back or kidney pain and constipation, Purgative, applied as poultice to sores, rubbed on the temples for headaches, used for piles, fevers, sore throat, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, scurvy and catarrh; leaf juice is believed to control glucose levels, applied to reduce glandular swelling Rubefacient, vesicant and used to cure eye diseases and for the treatment of delirious patients, prevent enlargement of the spleen and formation of tuberculous glands of the neck, to destroy tumours and to heal ulcers. (Kirtikar & Basu, 1935;Chopra et al., 1956;Dahot,1988.) Lf: round the year. In India it is known as an astringent, blood purifier, diuretic, homeostatic and purgative, and for asthma, cough, pulmonary diseases, wounds, sores and swellings (Chopra et al., 1956;Ambasta, 1986;Sood & Thakur, 2004)  irregularities, purulent infections, snake and insect bites. The Lf are rich in rutin which is a capillary tonic, antioedemic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and hypotensive (Landy, 1977;Duke and Ayensu, 1985 It is used particularly to treat fragile capillaries, but also helps strengthen varicose veins and hea1. Taken in combination with other herbs for high blood pressure.The Lf and shoots of flowering plants are acrid, astringent and vasodilator. A poultice made from the Sd has been used for restoring the flow of milk in nursing mothers. An infusion of the herb has been used in the treatment of acute infectious skin disease. A homeopathic remedy has been made from the leaves. It is used in the treatment of eczema and liver disorders (Grieve, 1984;Purohit et al., 2009;Sajid et  Cure fevers and are especially useful in the treatment of scurvy.An infusion of the Rt is astringent, diuretic and haemostatic. It has been used in the treatment of jaundice, gravel and kidney stones. Both the Rt and the Sd have been used to stem haemorrhages. A paste of Rt is applied to set dislocated bones. The plant is depurative and stomachic (Holtom. and Hylton, 1979;Bown, 1995;Tsarong, 1994) Summer end to autumn per cent moisture. They also contain 6.2 g of total soluble solids, 0.67 g acidity, 3.40 g of total sugars, 1.78 g of reducing sugars and 1.54 g of nonreducing sugars per 100 ml of the juice. Almost a negligible quantity of tannins was found in this fruit. The vit C content of the fruit is 6.29 mg per 100 ml of the juice (Parmar and Kaushal, 1982) The Wp is anticoagulant, antiseptic, depurative and febrifuge (Duke and Ayensu, 1985;Stuart and Rev, 1911;)  The fruits contain water, 87-88; sugars 3.0-4.5; free acids, 1.33-1.65; and ash0.6-0.7 per cent (Parmar and Kaushal, 1982) Fr are an excellent food to take when feverish Effective in treating rheumatic gout (Grieve, 1984 The Fr contains about 10.9% sugars, 1.1% protein, 0.5% ash, 0.55 pectin . The Fr is a good source of micronutrients such as anthocyanin's, phenols, flavonoids and vit. C. They have a moderate to good antioxidant activity and make an excellent, healthful addition to the diet (Parmar and Kaushal, 1982) Decoction of Rt good for cough; 2 tablespoons twice a daily till relief.

Rhamnaceae
The juice of the Rt is used in the treatment of fevers, gastric troubles, diarrhoea and dysentery. The juice of the Fr is used in the treatment of fever, colic, coughs and sore throat. (Ambasta, 1986;Jain & Farrokhnia,1991;Tsarong 1994Manandhar,2002Sood & Thakur, 2004)  The Fr contains about 7.8% sugars, 0.13% protein, 0.77% ash, mineral elements, viz. P, K,, Ca, Mg and Fe are 0.04, 0.237, 0.058, 0.068 and 0.007 per cent respectively. 100 ml of juice contain 3.79 mg of vit. (Parmar and Kaushal, 1982) The Lf are used as a tonic for older people. (Patel et al., 2004;Karuppusamy et al., 2011) early spring to summer end Herb is dried and pulverized for use in cough and urinary disorders; 1-3 g twice a day for 5-7 days. So, far it is known in India as an aperient, diuretic, refrigerant and antiscorbutic, and as a substitute for coffee. The juice and the infusion are also taken for kidney stones and other urinary problem (Ambasta, 1986;Sood and Thakur, 2004;Purohit et al., 2009)  Polysaccharides and phenolic compounds present in this mushroom express antioxidant properties. It shows curative properties against bacteria and fungi infections and thus they can be used as potential antimicrobial agents (Mirfat et al., 2014)   The content of total minerals of the Fr as represented by ash, is 2.761 per cent. The protein content of the Fr is 0.79 per cent. In this Fr, the mineral elements, viz. P, K, Ca, Mg and Fe, are 0.055, 0.454, 0.068, 0.059 and 0.005 per cent respectively (Parmar and Kaushal, 1982) Fr are sweet, appetizer, digestive and diuretic, Fr useful in strangury, jaundice. and gastropathy. carbuncle, eczema, facilitating child birth, fever, (Jain, 1991;Purohit et al, 2009;Singh, 2018)   . These plants are important ingredients of many traditional and modern medicine, which are used to cure a variety of ailments from time immortal. Almost comparable findings were reported by other workers. (Dutt, 2013;Sharma, et al., 2017;Patil& Kakde, 2020) and Babich, et al., 2020).

Rubiaceae
Some of these wild food plants like Achyranthes aspera, Berberis lyceum, Euphorbia hirta, Kalanchoe pinnata, Centella asiatica, Moringa oleifera, Taraxacum officinale, Oxalis sp, Indigofera spp., Rumex spp, and Tinospora cordifolia are usually eaten as a food supplement to harness their rich medicinal and food values in spite of their unpleasant taste. Plants like Urtica spp., Galium aparin, Fagopyrum spp.Phyllanthus emblica, Angelica glauca, Terminalia spp. Origanum vulgare, Cinnamomum tamala, Ficus racemosa, Oxalix spp. Citrus spp, Asparagus spp.Kalanchoe pinnata, Hedychium spp. Phytolacca acinosa and Curcuma aromaticetc. are known for their rich nutritive value and are excellent source of antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and minerals like Zn, Mg, Mn etc. so are traditionally used to boost immunity and treat wide range of aliment along with bronchitis, fever, cold & cough (Fig.5 &Table.2).  Many food plants like Dioscorea spp, Ficus spp. Morchella esculenta and Fagopyrum spp. are known as seasonal delicacies and eaten for their unique flavour or taste. Some of these like Ficus spp. Dioscorea spp and Morchella esculenta have their traditional recipes and a few like Ficus spp are usually prepared with some acidulent. These food items are liked by all. Therefore, they are in high demand and fetch high market prices in the local, national and international market. Wild food plants like Cirsium arvense and Urtica spp. appears poisonous and are harmful due to the presence of spines or pickers, so special care has to be taken during their harvesting and cooking. For many people these are non-edible and very few might know that these can be cooked into delicious dishes.
Wild food plants like Oxalis spp, Indigofera spp., Rumex spp, Rosa spp., Hedychium spicatum are excellent addition to pakoras, rayata, Kachru, chutney, masala oats and many other traditional dishes. Some of wild food plants like Angelica glauca, Allium ampeloprasum,Cinnamomum tamala, Cyclospermum leptophyllum, Origanum vulgare are used as spices and flavouring agents in various traditional dishes (Thakur, 2020). Addition of these nutritionally important medicinal wild food plants in tempting traditional food preparation like kachru, poha, soups, masala oats, kachuri, Potato fingers, kachuri, kheer, pakoras, bhale will be an excellent way to make kids of ruling era (who are generally very choosy for their meal) to eat what we want them to intake to boost their immunity and face ongoing challenges of pollution, stress, depression and pandemic like COVID-19 ( Fig.6