Non-Timber Forest Products : Food, Healthcare and Industrial Applications

Forests cover thirty-one percent of the world’s land surface, provide habitats for animals, livelihoods for humans, and generate household income in rural areas of developing countries. They also supply other essential amenities, for instance, they filter water, control water runoff, protect soil erosion, regulate climate, store nutrients, and facilitate countless non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The main NTFPs comprise herbs, grasses, climbers, shrubs, and trees used for food, fodder, fuel, beverages, medicine, animals, birds and fish for food, fur, and feathers, as well as their products, like honey, lac, silk, and paper. At present, these products play an important role in the daily life and well-being of millions of people worldwide. Hence the forest and its products are very valuable and often NTFPs are considered as the ‘potential pillars of sustainable forestry’. NTFPs items like food, herbal drugs, forage, fuel-wood, fountain, fibre, bamboo, rattans, leaves, barks, resins, and gums have been continuously used and exploited by humans. Wild edible foods are rich in terms of vitamins, protein, fat, sugars, and minerals. Additionally, some NTFPs are used as important raw materials for pharmaceutical industries. Numerous industry-based NTFPs are now being exported in considerable quantities by developing countries. Accordingly, this sector facilitates employment opportunities in remote rural areas. So, these developments also highlight the role of NTFPs in poverty alleviation in different regions of the world. This book provides a wide spectrum of information on NTFPs, including important references. We hope that the compendium of chapters in this book will be very useful as a reference book for graduate and postgraduate students and researchers in various disciplines of forestry, botany, medical botany, economic botany, ecology, agroforestry, and biology. Additionally, this book should be useful for scientists, experts, and consultants associated with the forestry sector. Preface Contents Contributors About the Editors Potential Role of Forest-Based Plants in Essential Oil Production: An Approach to Cosmetic and Personal Health Care Applications 1 Introduction 2 EOs and their Features 2.1 EOs 2.2 Chemical Composition 2.3 EOs from Different Parts of Plants 3 Importance of the EOs in Cosmetics 4 Importance of the EOs in Personal Health Care Practices 5 Conclusion References Aromatic Oils from Forest and Their Application 1 Introduction 2 Essential Oils: Chemistry and Specificities 3 Bioactivity 4 Industrial Applications 4.1 Food Industry 4.2 Agricultural Applications 4.3 Pharmaceutical/Medical Applications 4.4 Cosmetic and Personal Healthcare Products 4.5 Textile Applications 5 Concluding Remarks References Role of Traditional Chewing Sticks in Oral Hygiene and Other Benefits 1 Introduction 2 Preparations of TCS 2.1 Methods of Preparation and Use of TCS 2.2 Plant Species Used/Ethnobotany 3 Phytochemical Constituents on Some Plant Species Used TCS 4 Therapeutic Effects of Some Plants as Used for TCS 4.1 Antioxidant Activities 4.2 Antiseptic Activities 4.3 Antimicrobial Activities 4.4 Anticariogenic Activities 4.5 Analgesic Effects 4.6 Anti-Inflammatory Activities 4.7 Cytotoxicity 5 Mechanical and Others Effects of TCS 6 Commercial Products Associated with TCS 7 Advantages, Disadvantages, and Challenges Associated with TCS 7.1 Advantages 7.2 Disadvantages 7.3 Challenges 8 Conclusion References Plant-Based Sweeteners and Their Applications in Modern Lifestyle 1 Introduction 2 Carbohydrate and Non-carbohydrate Sweeteners 3 The Quest for an Ideal Sweetener 3.1 Taste Quality 3.2 Safety 3.3 Solubility and Stability 3.4 Cost 4 Plant-Derived Sweeteners 4.1 Brazzein 4.2 Curculin 4.3 Erythritol 4.4 Fructooligosaccharide 4.5 Glycyrrhizin 4.6 High Fructose Corn Syrup 4.7 Inulin 4.8 Isomalto-Oligosaccharide 4.9 Isomaltulose 4.10 Luo Han Guo 4.11 Mabinlin 4.12 Maltodextrin 4.13 Maple Syrup 4.14 Miraculin 4.15 Monatin 4.16 Monellin 4.17 Osladin 4.18 Pentadin 4.19 Stevia 4.20 Thaumatin 5 Natural High-Potency Sweeteners 6 Sugar Alcohol 6.1 Glycerol 6.2 Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates 6.3 Isomalt 6.4 Maltitol 6.5 Mannitol 6.6 Xylitol 6.7 Sorbitol 6.8 Lactitol 7 Effect of Sweeteners on Health 7.1 Effect on Dental Health 7.2 Effect on Metabolism 7.3 Effect on Body Weight 8 Conclusion References Nutritional, Pharmaceutical, and Industrial Potential of Forest-Based Plant Gum 1 Introduction 1.1 Plant Gums 1.2 Chemical Composition and Characterization 1.3 Classification 1.4 Advantages of Gums 1.4.1 Edible Sources and Environment-Friendly Coating Agent 1.4.2 Safe and Biodegradable 1.4.3 Availability and Cost-Effective 1.4.4 Traditional Value of Gums 1.4.5 Health Benefits 2 Application of Natural Gums in Food Industries 2.1 Acacia or Arabic Gum 2.2 Xanthan Gum 2.3 Karaya Gum 2.4 Gaur Gum 2.5 Tragacanth Gum 3 Application of Natural Gums in Pharmaceutical Industries 3.1 Gum Used in Pharmaceutical Formulations 3.2 Gum Used in Nanoparticles Synthesis 3.3 Gum Used in Drug Delivery 4 Conclusion References Commercial, Cosmetic, and Medicinal Importance of Sandal (Santalum album): A Valuable Forest Resource 1 Introduction 2 Commercial Importance 3 Cosmetic Importance 4 Medicinal Importance 5 Conclusion References Forest-Based Edible Seeds and Nuts for Health Care and Disease Control 1 Introduction 2 Forest-Based Edible Seeds and Nuts 3 Historical Aspect of Forest-Based Edible Seeds and Nuts 4 Socioeconomic Aspect of Forest-Based Edible Seeds and Nuts 5 Nutrient Composition (Macro and Micronutrients) of Forest-Based Edible Seeds and Nuts 5.1 Proteins 5.2 Fatty Acids 5.3 Polyphenols 5.4 Carbohydrates and Fibers 5.5 Vitamins and Minerals 6 Role of Forest-Based Edible Seeds and Nuts in Health Care and Disease Control 6.1 Against Cancer 6.2 Cardiovascular Prevention 6.3 Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities 7 Conclusion References Medicinal Plants of Himalayan Forests 1 Introduction 2 From Himalayan Mountain Diversity to New Drug Sources 3 Traditional Uses of Himalayan Plants 4 Plant-derived Bioactive Compounds 4.1 Alkaloids 4.2 Terpenes and Terpenoids 4.3 Phenolic Compounds 5 Biological Activities 6 Pharmacological Effects of Himalayan Plant-derived Phytochemicals 6.1 Anticancer Activity 6.2 Neuroprotective Activity 6.3 Antidiabetic Activity 6.4 Antimicrobial Activity 6.5 Antioxidant Activity 7 Conclusion and Upcoming Perspectives References Forest-Based Medicinal Plants for Cardiovascular Diseases 1 Introduction 2 Causes of Heart Disease 3 Symptoms of Heart Disease 4 Biochemical Basis of Heart Diseases 5 Forest as a Source of Drugs 6 Historical Perspective of Traditional Herbal Medicines 7 Herbs in the Cure of Heart Disease 8 Congestive Heart Failure 9 Hypertension 10 Angina Pectoris 11 Atherosclerosis 12 Cerebral and Peripheral Vascular Disease 13 Conclusion References Potential Role of Medicinal Plants in the Cure of Liver and Kidney Diseases 1 Introduction 2 Medicinal Plants in Cure of Liver Diseases 2.1 Acacia catechu 2.2 Acalypha indica 2.3 Aegle marmelos 2.4 Aerva lanata 2.5 Andrographis paniculata 2.6 Artemisia absinthium 2.7 Bixa orellana 2.8 Boerhavia diffusa 2.9 Carum copticum 2.10 Cassia fistula 2.11 Cassia tora 2.12 Centella asiatica 2.13 Curcuma longa 2.14 Decalepis hamiltonii 2.15 Eclipta alba 2.16 Elephantopus scaber 2.17 Flacourtia indica 2.18 Glycyrrhiza glabra 2.19 Halenia elliptica 2.20 Ocimum sanctum 2.21 Piper chaba 2.22 Phyllanthus niruri 2.23 Picrorhiza kurroa 2.24 Rubia cordifolia 2.25 Swertia chiraiyta 2.26 Tephrosia purpuria 3 Medicinal Plants in Cure of Kidney Diseases 3.1 Aegle marmelos 3.2 Alternanthera sessilis 3.3 Amaranthus spinosus 3.4 Ammi visnaga 3.5 Borassus flabellifer 3.6 Bryophyllum pinnatum 3.7 Citrullus colocynthis 3.8 Cissus quadrangularis 3.9 Chenopodium album 3.10 Curcuma aromatica 3.11 Cyperus rotundus 3.12 Eclipta prostrata 3.13 Glycyrrhiza glabra 3.14 Orthosiphon stamineus 3.15 Pedalium murex 3.16 Portulaca oleracea 3.17 Quercus infectoria 3.18 Sambucus ebulus 3.19 Tribulus terrestris 3.20 Withania somnifera 4 Conclusion References Forest-Based Medicinal Plants for Cancer Cure 1 Introduction 2 Cancer Therapies 3 Herbal Medicinal Plants with Anticancer Potential 3.1 Acacia nilotica 3.2 Achillea wilhelmsii 3.3 Aegle marmelos 3.4 Aloe vera 3.5 Ammi majus 3.6 Andrographis paniculata 3.7 Artemisia absinthium 3.8 Azadirachta indica 3.9 Boswellia serrate 3.10 Camellia sinensis 3.11 Camptotheca acuminata 3.12 Careya arborea 3.13 Catharanthus roseus 3.14 Cephalotaxus harringtonia 3.15 Citrullus colocynthis 3.16 Clematis mandshurica 3.17 Combretum caffrum 3.18 Crocus sativus 3.19 Curcuma longa 3.20 Ferula asafoetida 3.21 Glycyrrhiza glabra 3.22 Indigofera aspalathoides 3.23 Lawsonia inermis 3.24 Lepidium sativum 3.25 Medicago sativa 3.26 Morinda citrifolia 3.27 Ocimum sanctum 3.28 Olea europae 3.29 Podophyllum spp. 3.30 Taverniera spartea 3.31 Taxus brevifolia 3.32 Tinospora cordifolia 3.33 Urtica dioica 3.34 Withania somnifera 3.35 Zingiber officinale 4 Conclusion and Future Prospects References Health Benefit, Traditional, and Modern Uses of Natural Honey 1 Introduction 2 Physicochemical Properties of Honey 3 Biological Properties and Health Benefits of Honey 3.1 Antimicrobial Activity 3.2 Antioxidant Property 3.3 Anti-inflammatory Action 4 Traditional Uses of Honey 4.1 Therapeutic and Dietary Uses of Honey 4.2 Religious Use of Honey 4.3 Honey as a Cosmetic and Eye Care Product 5 Modern Uses of Honey 5.1 Honey for Healing Wounds 5.2 Honey as Medicine 5.3 Honey and Oral Health Care 5.4 Honey and Ophthalmology 5.5 Honey in Food Industry as Preservative and Prebiotic 5.6 Honey in Nutraceuticals 5.7 Honey and Cosmetics 6 Conclusion References Spices Obtained from Forest and Other Resources 1 Introduction 1.1 Multidimensional Uses of Spices 2 History of Spices 3 Different Spices and its Cultivation 3.1 Cardamom 3.2 Curry Leaves 3.3 Chillies 3.4 Bay Leaf 3.5 Long Pepper 3.6 Star Anise 3.7 Ginger 3.8 Pepper 3.9 Turmeric 3.10 Areca Nut 3.11 Nutmeg 3.12 Cloves 4 Processing of Spices 4.1 Cleaning 4.2 Drying 4.3 Grading 4.4 Grinding 4.5 Packaging 5 Equipment Used in Spice Processing 6 Current Scenario of Indian Spices and Constraints in Spice Production 6.1 Constraints in Production of Spices 7 Value Addition in Spices 7.1 Value-Added Products of Spices and its Application 7.2 Importance of Spices in Diet 8 Technologies involved in Spice production: 9 Organic Farming and its Significance in Spice Production 10 Health Benefits of Spices 11 Research and Analysis of Spices 12 Conclusion References Ganoderma lucidum: King of Mushroom 1 Introduction 2 Cultivation of Ganoderma Lucidum 3 Nutritional Values of Ganoderma Lucidum 3.1 Bioactive Compounds 3.2 Medical Benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum 3.2.1 Antibacterial Activity 3.2.2 Antifungal Activity 3.2.3 Antiviral Activity 3.2.4 Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities 4 Mycosynthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles from Ganoderma Lucidum 5 Conclusion References Health-Promoting Benefits, Value-Added Products, and Other Uses of Banana 1 Introduction 2 Bioactive Compounds in Banana 2.1 Phenolic Compounds 2.2 Flavonoids 2.3 Carotenoids 2.4 Organic (biogenic) Amines 2.5 Phytosterols 3 Uses of Banana 3.1 Food and Related Products 3.1.1 Banana Flour 3.1.2 Banana Powder 3.1.3 Banana Chips 3.1.4 Banana Jam and Puree 3.1.5 Banana Wine and Beer 3.2 Health Care 3.2.1 Brain Health Improvement 3.2.2 Heart Health Improvement 3.2.3 Bone Health Improvement 3.2.4 Support to Treat Diarrhea, Hangovers, and Anemia 3.2.5 Digestive Health Improvement 3.2.6 Anticancer Activity 3.2.7 Good for Diabetes 3.2.8 Immune System Improvement 3.2.9 Hair and Skin Care 3.2.10 Water Purification or Treatment 3.2.11 Banana Waste Product Utilization 3.2.12 Banana as a Source of Nutraceutical and Bioactive Compounds 3.2.13 Livestock Feeds 3.2.14 Paper Production 3.2.15 Renewable Fuel 3.2.16 Biofertilizers and Organic Fertilizers 3.2.17 Banana Fiber for Fashion and Textiles 3.2.18 Biogenic Synthesis of Nanoparticle Using Banana 4 Conclusion References Forest-based Plants in Beautification and Their Medicinal Significance 1 Introduction 2 Native Gardening and Landscaping 2.1 Benefits of Native Gardening/Landscaping 2.2 National and International Scenario 2.3 Challenges and Approach 3 Plants with Medicinal and Beautification Value 3.1 Albizia spp. 3.2 Abrus precatorius 3.3 Acacia spp. 3.4 Bauhinia spp. 3.5 Butea monosperma 3.6 Caesalpinia pulcherrima 3.7 Cassia fistula 3.8 Clitoria ternatea 3.9 Crotolaria spp. 3.10 Dalbergia sissoo 3.11 Desmodium spp. 3.12 Erythrina spp. 3.13 Indigofera spp. 3.14 Peltophorum pterocarpum 3.15 Pongamia pinnata 3.16 Saraca indica 3.17 Tamarindus indica 3.18 Orchids 4 Conclusion References Food, Fodder and Fuelwoods from Forest 1 Introduction 2 Forest – A Store House of Edible Food Varieties 2.1 Averrhoa Bilimbi L. 2.1.1 Geographical Distribution 2.1.2 Nutritionally and Medicinal Properties 2.1.3 Other Benefits 2.2 Bauhinia Variegata L. 2.2.1 Geographical Distribution 2.2.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.2.3 Other Benefits 2.3 Carissa Carandas L. 2.3.1 Geographical Distribution 2.3.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.3.3 Other Benefits 2.4 Celtis Australis L. (Food) 2.4.1 Geographical Distribution 2.4.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.4.3 Other Benefits 2.5 Centella Asiatica (L.) Urban 2.5.1 Geographical Distribution 2.5.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.5.3 Other Benefits 2.6 Dillenia Indica L. 2.6.1 Geographical Distribution 2.6.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.6.3 Other Benefits 2.7 Ficus Auriculata Lour. 2.7.1 Geographical Distribution 2.7.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.7.3 Other Benefits 2.8 Garcinia Mangostana L. 2.8.1 Geographical Distribution 2.8.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.8.3 Other Benefits 2.9 Grewia Asiatica L. 2.9.1 Geographical Distribution 2.9.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.9.3 Other Benefits 2.10 Lansium Parasiticum (Osbeck) Sahni & Bennet 2.10.1 Geographical Distribution 2.10.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.10.3 Other Benefits 2.11 Passiflora Edulis Sims 2.11.1 Geographical Distribution 2.11.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 2.11.3 Other Benefits 3 Forest Constitutes an Important Source of Fodder 3.1 Aegle Marmelos (L.) Correa 3.1.1 Geographical Distribution 3.1.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 3.1.3 Other Benefits 3.2 Albizia Lebbeck (L.) Benth. 3.2.1 Geographical Distribution 3.2.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 3.2.3 Other Benefits 3.3 Azadirachta Indica A. Juss. 3.3.1 Geographical Distribution 3.3.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 3.3.3 Other Benefits 3.4 Ficus Benghalensis L. 3.4.1 Geographical Distribution 3.4.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 3.4.3 Other Benefits 3.5 Grewia Optiva J.R. Drumm. ex Burret 3.5.1 Geographical Distribution 3.5.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 3.5.3 Other Benefits 3.6 Leucaena Leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit 3.6.1 Geographical Distribution 3.6.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 3.6.3 Other Benefits 3.7 Moringa Olifera Lam. 3.7.1 Geographical Distribution 3.7.2 Nutritionally and Medicinal Properties 3.7.3 Other Benefits 3.8 Ougeinia Oojeinensis (Roxb). Hochr. 3.8.1 Geographical Distribution 3.8.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 3.8.3 Other Benefits 3.9 Terminalia Alata Heyne ex Roth (Fodder) 3.9.1 Geographical Distribution 3.9.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 3.9.3 Other Benefits 3.10 Toona Ciliata M. Roem. 3.10.1 Geographical Distribution 3.10.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 3.10.3 Other Benefits 4 Forest as a Source of Fuel Wood in Attaining the Energy Needs 4.1 Acacia Nilotica (Linn.) Willd. Ex. Del 4.1.1 Geographical Distribution 4.1.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 4.1.3 Other Benefits 4.2 Dalbergia Sissoo Roxb. 4.2.1 Geographical Distribution 4.2.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 4.2.3 Other Benefits 4.3 Morus Alba Linn. 4.3.1 Geographical Distribution 4.3.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 4.3.3 Other Benefits 4.4 Prosopis Cineraria (L.) Druce 4.4.1 Geographical Distribution 4.4.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 4.4.3 Other Benefits 4.5 Quercus Leucotrichophora A. Camus 4.5.1 Geographical Distribution 4.5.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 4.5.3 Other Benefits 4.6 Salix Alba Linn. 4.6.1 Geographical Distribution 4.6.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 4.6.3 Other Benefits 4.7 Terminalia Arjuna Bedd. 4.7.1 Geographical Distribution 4.7.2 Nutritional and Medicinal Properties 4.7.3 Other Benefits 4.8 Zizphyus Mauritiana Lam. 4.8.1 Geographical Distribution 4.8.2 Nutritionally and Medicinal Properties 4.8.3 Other Benefits 5 Conclusion References Fiber from Forest and Their Importance in Modern Time 1 Introduction 2 Overview of Plant Fiber Diversity 2.1 Non-wood Fiber 2.2 Wood Fiber 3 Morphology, Ultrastructure, and Chemistry of Forest Plant Fibers 3.1 Classification, Functions, and Occurrence 3.2 Softwood Anatomy 3.3 Hardwood Anatomy 3.4 Fiber Dimensions 3.5 Reaction Wood 3.6 Density 3.7 Characteristics of Plant Fiber 3.8 Engineering Properties of Plant Fiber 4 Applications of Forest-Based Natural Fibers 4.1 Insulating Materials Made from Natural Fibers 4.2 Specialty Papers 4.2.1 Decorative Papers 4.2.2 Abrasive Papers 4.2.3 Safety Papers 4.2.4 Banknote Papers 4.2.5 Gummed, Specialty Tapes, and Labels 4.2.6 Electrical Paper 4.2.7 Release Papers 4.2.8 Filtration Paper 4.2.9 Grease-Resistant and Greaseproof Papers 4.3 Composites of Natural Fibers 5 Conclusion References Index