Minor Fruits of Meghalaya: A Comprehensive Review on Diversity, Livelihood, and Bioeconomic Perspectives

Fruits, in general, are considered the powerhouses of a variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Nutraceuticals are substances found in fruits and vegetables that provide health benefits and basic nutritional value. This review aims to study the diversity, nutritional aspects, bioactive compounds, and health benefits of Meghalaya minor fruits, namely, Prunus nepalensis, Elaeagnus latifolia, Myrica esculenta, Myrica nagi and Docynia indica. Due to the lack of knowledge about the nutraceutical properties of these five minor fruits, they are rarely grown and used widely in the country; hence, popularising such fruits is crucial. Various nutraceutical components such as flavonoids, tannins, ascorbic acids, beta-carotene, anthocyanin, phenolic acids, and other antioxidants were found in the five mentioned minor fruits abundantly, which asserted several health benefits. These minor fruits produced several biological activities and nutraceutical attributes, providing mineral requirements for human health. These fruits are rich sources of bioactive compounds; thereby, the development of food products by using these fruits enhances market value in domestic areas and aids in their commercialization in the local markets, which will help to improve the economy of the state's rural population. Therefore, this review was designed with different highlighted points, including (i) the nutritional profile of minor fruits from Meghalaya, (ii) the bioactive compounds of minor fruits that assert pharmacological activity, (iii) the biodiversity of minor fruits, (iv) the pharmacological activity or health benefits of minor fruits.