Medicinal uses of selected wild edible vegetables consumed by Vhavenda of the Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

The use of wild vegetables as a source of food is well-documented all over the world. However, some of the wild vegetables have since found their way into the database of medicinal plants. The purpose of this study was to assess the medicinal value of wild vegetables consumed by local people of Vhembe District Municipality of South Africa.Thirteen wild vegetables reported to have medicinal value were assessed in this study. The 14 wild vegetables with medicinal values were found to be distributed within 10 plant families. Cucurbitaceae was found to be the dominant family followed by Malvaceae. Leaves were the main part used in preparation of medicines from wild vegetables. The use of leaves is found to be the most sustainable mode of medicinal preparation since it do not impact negatively on wild vegetables. The consumption of wild vegetables with medicinal values as food should be encouraged since they may assist in the well-being of communities.